Bulletin of the Institute of Ecology and Environmental Management

Issue 78 | December 2012

Renewable Energy

In this issue

Meeting Europe’s Renewable Biodiversity and Energy Role of the ECoW Energy Targets in Harmony Crops in Wales on Clyde Wind Farm with Nature Welcome Information

In Practice No. 78, From your President December 2012 ISSN 1754-4882 Our 21st year has been momentous. We have received notice that our petition for a Royal Charter has been granted and we will become a Chartered Institute in 2013. Editor We will also be able to establish a new Register of Chartered Ecologists. The Privy Mr Jason Reeves ([email protected]) Council decision was announced right in the middle of our Annual Conference, a Editorial Board wonderful piece of serendipity. We now have 5,000 members which makes us an Mr Jonathan Barnes, Mr Matthew Chatfield, Institute with clout. We can confidently expect to be accorded respect by those who Dr Andrew Cherrill, Mr Dominic Coath, we deal with on a daily basis. All our members want IEEM do the right thing, both Ms Sally Hayns, Dr William Latimer, for them as individual members and, on their behalf, as a corporate body that deals Mrs Allison Potts, Mr Paul Rooney, with Governments and a wide range of agencies, authorities and voluntary bodies. Mr Paul Scott, Miss Katrena Stanhope, The new Advisory Forum will harness representation by the Geographic Sections at Miss Emma Toovey, Mr Darren Towers the upper levels of IEEM through the Vice-Presidents. The new Fellows Forum will use their collective wisdom to provide useful reality checks for the Governing Board Opinions expressed by contributors which has replaced Council. to In Practice are those of the authors and not necessarily supported by the The credit for all this progress goes to Sally Hayns, our Chief Executive, and her Institute. Readers should seek appropriate team in Winchester, to all the Committees and Council, and to Penny Anderson professional guidance relevant to their who, as President, has kept a light but firm hand on the tiller for the past two individual circumstances before following years. I have known Penny ever since the 1980s when she was commissioned any advice provided herein. to update the evidence base for the network of green spaces in Telford as part of the local development plan process. Her work at Stansted, Manchester and Information on advertising, including Heathrow airports and her superb moorland restoration work in the Pennines are rates and deadlines, can be found at well known through her writings. Penny produced the definitive book on habitat www.ieem.net. The Institute does not creation with Oliver Gilbert, the urban ecologist and lichen expert from Sheffield. accept responsibility for advertising This complements Penny’s habitat translocation work that culminated in the manual content or policy of advertisers, nor does written for the Highways Agency and published by CIRIA. Penny brought integrity, the placement of advertisements within professionalism and innovation to all of her work. These qualities stood her in good In Practice imply support for companies, stead during her two years as IEEM President. She will be a hard act to follow. individuals or their products or services advertised herein. The presentations for our Annual Conference were excellent and contributed to a very positive feeling about ecology and the renewable energy sector. Novel methods IEEM Office of ecological survey, assessment and mitigation are required in this sector and 43 Southgate Street, Winchester, we can produce these which can then be applied to other sectors. The message Hampshire, SO23 9EH, UK that I took from the conference in relation to wind energy is that landscape-scale T: 01962 868626 mitigation and biodiversity enhancement is required to deal with multiple wind farm sites in upland areas where birds like curlew, golden plover, hen harrier and black E: [email protected] grouse can be affected. And there are real opportunities for biodiversity gain on W: www.ieem.net agricultural land being developed for solar photovoltaic parks. The debate on the new proposals for the Severn Barrage was timely and interesting and the power In Practice is printed on paper using 100% of the environmental arguments is having a significant impact on the debate. The post consumer de-inked waste. This is Institute may be only 21 years old but we are a force to be reckoned with. manufactured by an ISO14001, EMAS and Nordic Swan accredited company. © Institute of Ecology and John Box CEnv FIEEM Environmental Management IEEM President

Cover Photograph Cefn Croes wind farm. Photo by Mick Green

2 Contents

How Not to Write an Ecological Impact Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Assessment Targets in Harmony with Nature Katherine Drayson and Stewart Thompson PG 07 Ivan Scrase and Benedict Gove PG 26 MIEEM

Improving the Evidence in Evidence- Biodiversity and Energy Crops in Wales Based Conservation PG 12 Fred Slater CEnv FIEEM PG 28 John Altringham

Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators? Role of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm Violaine Drapeau, Alan Feest MIEEM PG 17 Joe Deimel MIEEM PG 33 and Kate Hayward MIEEM

Wind Speed and Bat Activity: Assessing and Mitigating the Ecology Legal Update: Court case on Effects of Wind Turbines “deliberate killing” of birds and bats by Mike Gray CEnv MIEEM, Peter Owens wind turbines PG 22 IEEM and Mike Armitage CEnv MIEEM PG 39 Penny Simpson

02 Editorial 39 - Ecology Legal Update: Court case on “deliberate killing” of birds and bats by wind turbines 03 Contents Penny Simpson 04 News in Brief 41 Institute News Feature Articles 43 Geographic Section News 07 - Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature 48 Partnership News Ivan Scrase and Benedict Gove 49 New and Prospective Members 12 - Biodiversity and Energy Crops in Wales Fred Slater CEnv FIEEM Internal Articles 17 - Role of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm 50 - The Institute Now Has a Competency Framework Joe Deimel MIEEM Steve Pullan CEnv FIEEM 22 - Wind Speed and Bat Activity: Assessing and 55 - IEEM Survey of Working Practices Mitigating the Effects of Wind Turbines 57 - Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Impacts: Mike Gray CEnv MIEEM, Peter Owens MIEEM IEEM Autumn Conference Report and Mike Armitage CEnv MIEEM 59 - IEEM-RES Conference 2012: Invertebrates in 26 - How Not to Write an Ecological Impact Assessment Environmental Impact Assessments Katherine Drayson and Stewart Thompson MIEEM 61 - A Royal Charter at last! 28 - Improving the Evidence in 63 - Best Practice Awards 2012 Evidence-Based Conservation 65 Recent Publications & Journals John Altringham 33 - Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: 69 Diary Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators? Violaine Drapeau, Alan Feest MIEEM and Kate Hayward MIEEM

3 News in Brief

RSPB publishes ecological CEH awarded 6-year review of birds and wave and Biological Recording contract to support tidal stream energy Programme saved! biological recording The RSPB has published Birds and wave & The Biological Recording and Species JNCC has set up a 6-year contract with the tidal stream energy: an ecological review. Identification Programme previously Centre for Ecology and Hydrology (CEH) to administered by the University of support biological recording, analysis and The review notes that there is a paucity of interpretation, so that data collected can have applicable data on the impacts of wave and Birmingham has now been transferred a bigger impact in conserving our natural tidal devices on birds. This lack of data has to Manchester Metropolitan University environment. implications for understanding the overall (MMU). Whilst the awarding institution http://jncc.defra.gov.uk/page-6254 impacts of these novel technologies, and for has changed, the programme and impact assessment of individual schemes. In personnel remain the same. The pressure the final section these knowledge gaps and of a public awareness campaign made the approaches to filling them are discussed. University of Birmingham acknowledge The key information that is lacking can be that there was a real need for the courses summarised as spatial and behavioural. and that they should look to another The review identifies the practical issues for institution to transfer the programmes data collection: a need for standardisation in their entirety. The programme offers throughout the industry, the use and a highly respected and nationally development of remote sensing, further recognised course in field skills and caters refinement of modelling techniques; refining for people in full-time employment. sensitivity indices, defining the scale of MMU is to be congratulated on their impacts, and cumulative impact assessment. forward thinking in providing a new home for the Biological Recording and bitly.com/TkcoGD Species Identification programmes in their entirety. MMU have retained all of the programmes, personnel and key partners, Government bans imports of whose work has enabled the programmes ash trees to have such high industry recognition. For further information please contact A ban on the import of ash trees to Dr Sarah Whild ([email protected]) or combat the threat of the tree disease ash Linda Marsh ([email protected]). dieback is being imposed with immediate effect, Environment Secretary Owen Paterson announced on 29th October. New invasive shrimp found in UK The disease, caused by the fungus A new species of invasive shrimp Chalara fraxinea, leads to leaf loss and Dikerogammarus haemobaphes, a close has already affected trees in England relation of the Killer shrimp D. villosus has and Scotland, and killed trees in parts been found for the first time in the UK. of mainland Europe. The ban is being The Demon shrimp (D. haemobaphes) was put in place before the main planting reported by the Environment Agency on the season gets underway in late November. River Severn at Tewkesbury and Bevere near Movement restrictions will also be Worcester. It has also been found on two imposed, so that trees from infected canals in Worcestershire. The Demon shrimp areas will not be able to be moved to feeds on a range of freshwater invertebrates other locations within the UK. and small fish. It is believed that the shrimp is bitly.com/TPaTUJ able to tolerate changing environments and can survive in a range of freshwater habitats, unlike the Killer shrimp which is restricted Review of planning practice guidance to support the NPPF to hard river bed habitats. Dikerogammarus The Government announced on 16 October 2012 that Lord Matthew Taylor of Goss Moor haemobaphes is native to rivers flowing into would lead and chair an external group conducting a review of the existing 6,000 pages of the Black, Caspian and Azov Seas. It was first planning practice guidance which supports the implementation of National Planning Policy recorded outside its native range 20 years ago. Framework (NPPF), and which the Department for Communities and Local Government owns Since then its range has expanded into large or has jointly badged with other Government Departments or agencies. The aim is to enable parts of Germany, Poland, the Netherlands, the production of an accessible and more effective set of practice guidance, dramatically Belgium and France. It is believed to have reducing the existing guidance, and ensuring that new guidance supports effective planning. invaded Western Europe via the Danube. bitly.com/RBtdhS bitly.com/QSXicn 4 Badger cull update Guidance on competent Environment Secretary Owen Paterson authority co-ordination under announced on 23rd October that the badger the Habitats Regulations cull due to take place this year in England has Defra has published guidance for competent been postponed until the summer of 2013 at authorities on how and when they should the request of the National Farmers Union. undertake co-ordination to fulfil their bitly.com/VlMUIj responsibilities under the Habitats Directive. The Government believes that competent Furthermore, following a debate in the House authorities will be able to fulfil their duties of Commons on Thursday 25th October more efficiently and effectively if they follow 2012, MPs voted against the government’s this advice. Competent authorities are policy of culling badgers in two pilot schemes required to have regard to the guidance in in England in order to control the spread of paragraphs 5 to 7 of this document. This bovine tuberculosis. In a non-binding vote, document applies to England and UK offshore MPs rejected the policy by 147 votes to 28, waters (except in relation to functions calling instead for vaccination, improved exercised within devolved competence). testing and bio security. bitly.com/Xs1xiG bitly.com/TIgkik bitly.com/UIsgGL

Defra published evidence plans for Nationally Significant Infrastructure Projects in relation to the Habitats Regulations Following the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives Implementation Review, Defra has published guidance for nationally significant infrastructure projects. The guidance explains the new process that will allow developers of nationally significant infrastructure projects in England to agree evidence plans with relevant statutory nature conservation bodies to ensure they comply with the Habitats and Wild Birds Directives. Photo by www.wildstock.co.uk bitly.com/SU4EZl

Criteria for identifying Environmental Stewardship Appointment of Nature Improvement Areas schemes support agricultural chief executive to In the Natural Environment White Paper, productivity Natural Resources Defra set out their vision for Nature A report commissioned by Natural Wales Improvement Areas (NIAs) to be created England reveals the important role that Professor Peter Matthews, wherever the opportunities or benefits Environmental Stewardship (ES) schemes chair of the Welsh are greatest, driven by the knowledge play in supporting agricultural productivity. Government’s new body Dr Emyr Roberts and vision of local partners. These The new report, Ecosystem services from for managing natural resources in Wales, landscape-scale initiatives aim to ensure Environmental Stewardship that benefit has announced the appointment of Dr that land is used sustainably to achieve agricultural production, highlights the role Emyr Roberts as the body’s chief executive. multiple benefits for people, wildlife of Environmental Stewardship in protecting The appointment will take effect from 1 and the local economy. It is not the the environment and agricultural food November 2012. After a career with the intention of NIAs to stifle sustainable production. The report found that ES National Farmers’ Union, Emyr joined the development within the area; economic schemes are delivering a range of vital goods Welsh Office in 1991 and was promoted to development within an NIA will remain and services, known as eco-systems services the senior civil service in 1997. Since then vital, and many development proposals - which benefit the natural environment he has held a number of posts within the will have no or minimal impacts on and in doing so help sustain and develop Welsh Government, most recently as Director the overall integrity or objectives of agricultural productivity. General of Education and Skills. the NIA. Defra have set out a role for bitly.com/PCgwBg bitly.com/Qz3KTT Local Nature Partnerships to work with and support the 12 Government- funded NIAs as well as to help establish Draft developer advice published new, locally determined NIAs. It is for The Environment Agency, Natural England and Forestry Commission have published a joint Local Planning Authorities to decide consultation document, Building a better environment: Our role in development and how whether and how to recognise an NIA we can help. The document has been developed to help explain, succinctly and in a single in their local plans. The criteria are place, the role of the Environment Agency, Natural England and Forestry Commission. intended to help Local Authorities, The document is intended to be a ‘first stop’ for information to help developers and local Local Nature Partnerships and other authorities understand their respective roles relating to new development, their positive local partnerships identify the locally approach to enabling growth in a sustainable way, and how they can assist through early determined NIAs. involvement in the process. bitly.com/VZoFzZ http://www.environment-agency.gov.uk/developeradvice

5 News in Brief

EU Ministers Invasive sea squirt species debate CAP and JRC launches European alien found in Strangford Lough CFP reform species information network Northern Ireland Environment Agency Agriculture and Fisheries The European Commission Joint Research Centre (JRC) has announced the creation (NIEA) has confirmed that a colonial sea Ministers debated reform of of an information network to help squirt found in a recent survey of marinas the Common Agricultural eliminate the threat of alien species to and harbours is the invasive non-native Policy (CAP) and reform of the Common biodiversity and natural resources in species Didemnum vexillum. The common Fisheries Policy (CFP) at the most recent Europe. The European Alien Species name of D. vexillum is carpet sea squirt, meeting of the Council of the European Union which well describes the potential Information Network (EASIN) aims to on 24-25 September 2012. Debate on the problems it poses. It hangs from hard map and classify alien species in Europe, reform of the CAP focused on the proposal for surfaces such as docks, lines and ship hulls to reduce the economic impact of alien a Regulation on support for rural development or forms mats on seabeds and can grow species, which is estimated at _12 billion and the proposal for a Regulation establishing rapidly to smother marine life such as sea yearly. The network combines databases a common organisation of the markets in weeds and marine fauna including mussels including the: Global Biodiversity agricultural products. Debate on the reform and oysters. It is mainly transported over Information Facility (GBIF); Global Invasive longer distances on boat hulls but larvae of the CFP focused on the proposal for a Species Information Network (GISIN); and and fragments can also be spread by Regulation on the European Maritime and Regional Euro-Asian Biological Invasion fishing equipment, the movement of Fisheries Fund, which would replace the Centre (REABIC). Combatting invasive aquaculture nets and tidal currents. existing European fisheries fund. species is one of the objectives of the EU 2020 Biodiversity Policy. bitly.com/TRH57W bitly.com/VZpzwb bitly.com/Xs2RBZ

Biofuels study highlights Wales’ single environmental opportunities and risks for body named and non- biodiversity executive directors announced The Secretariat of the Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) has released a The name for the new single body will be report analysing and summarising some Natural Resources Wales/Cyfoeth Naturiol of the major issues related to biofuels and Cymru. The non-executive directors are: biodiversity on the basis of the best available Dr Mike Brooker, Rev. Hywel Davies, Dr scientific information. Circulated as CBD Ruth Hall, Dr Madeleine Havard, Harry Technical Series no. 65, the report highlights Legge-Bourke, Andy Middleton, Morgan the complexities behind the topic, noting Parry, Nigel Reader, Prof. Lynda Warren opportunities for biofuels to contribute to and Sir Paul Williams. sustainable development, but also risks. bitly.com/PLCoMG bitly.com/QcGETc

FAQs on links between Nature Directives and Marine CBD report highlights potential Directive benefits of marine spatial The European Commission has published planning Links between the Marine Strategy The Secretariat of the Convention on Framework Directive (MSFD 2008/56/EC) Biological Diversity (CBD), in collaboration and the Nature Directives (Birds Directive with the Scientific and Technical Advisory 2009/147/EEC (BD) and Habitats Directive Panel (STAP) of the Global Environment Facility 92/43/EEC (HD)). This document addresses some Frequently Asked Questions about (GEF), has published a report on marine links between the Marine Strategy spatial planning. The report concludes that Framework Directive and the Nature comprehensive marine spatial planning has the Directives in relation to interactions, potential to improve management of marine overlaps, and potential areas for closer ecosystems, reduce the loss of ecosystem co-ordination. However, the document services, help address or avoid conflict, and has no formal legal status. create economies of scale and efficiencies for bitly.com/ZiVafZ enforcement and management. bitly.com/RrxUci 6 Feature Article: Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature

Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature Ivan Scrase and Benedict Gove RSPB

Introduction Europe is seeking to position itself as a global undermine biodiversity-friendly renewables; leader in the development and deployment of review the EU’s renewable energy ambitions renewable energy technologies. Successfully in terms of technologies and locations; and delivering against its aspirations in this area make recommendations for European and is central to meeting its greenhouse gas national governments. In addition, detailed emissions targets and doing its fair share to reviews were undertaken of Member States’ stabilise the global climate. BirdLife Europe National Renewable Energy Action Plans strongly supports these commitments: the (NREAPs) and the scientific evidence on the potentially severe impacts of climate change ecological impacts of the major renewable on biodiversity, and the knock-on impacts energy technologies and power lines. for society if nature is impoverished, demand The Twin Imperatives a rapid but sustainable transition to a low carbon economy. Global average temperatures are increasing, and burning fossil fuels is the principal cause. Renewable energy must become the Unless drastic action is taken to cut emissions, backbone of Europe’s energy supply. Yet the world could experience a dangerous level many renewable energy technologies can of warming within decades. This would be a present risks to birds and other wildlife if they disaster for people and for wildlife. A Climatic are not developed sensitively. The challenge Atlas of European Breeding Birds2 predicts that we face is to protect nature whilst deploying on average bird populations in Europe would Top - Electricity cables, pylons and wind turbines at sunset – near Diepholz, Lower renewables at the scale and pace required. need to shift 550km north-east by the end BirdLife’s report Meeting Europe’s Renewable Saxony, Germany. Photo by Nick Upton of this century. A study published in Nature (rspb-images.com) Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature1 sets estimated that 15-37% of plants and animals Middle - Installation of solar panels on Visitor out how European governments can step up will be “committed to extinction” by 2050 as Centre roof at Sandwell Valley RSPB reserve by to this challenge and ensure that we meet a result of a mid-range warming scenario3. Solar Century. Photo by Andy Hay our 2020 renewable energy targets, and Even if greenhouse gas emissions were to (rspb-images.com) also our commitment to halt and reverse cease tomorrow, biodiversity would still have Bottom - Common or Eurasian crane Grus grus flock flying close to wind turbine – near biodiversity decline by the same year. to adapt to warming caused by past emissions. Diepholz, Lower Saxony, Germany. Birdlife is a network of leading bird and Moreover, biodiversity is already being driven Photo by Nick Upton (rspb-images.com) wildlife conservation organisations. Seventeen into decline by a range of factors, particularly organisations participated in this work, based agriculture, fisheries and forestry practices (and in Germany, Spain, the UK, France, Italy, other causes of habitat loss or degradation) supports the EU’s target to cut greenhouse Poland, Greece, Belgium, Romania, Bulgaria, and invasive species. This means the ecosystem gas emissions by 20% by 2020, and is calling Ireland, Slovenia, Montenegro, Croatia and services that biodiversity provides to society, for this ambition to be increased to 30%. We Portugal. This report is the product of a year- such as pollinating food crops, are diminishing. also support the renewable energy targets long process that brought these organisations Rapid and large reductions in greenhouse in the Renewable Energy Directive (2009/28/ together to: review the scientific evidence gas emissions are a necessary part of the EC) as they have become a key driver in about ecological impacts of renewables; plan if we are to meet our goal of reversing promoting the use of renewable energy and consider how policy frameworks support or biodiversity loss. BirdLife Europe, therefore cutting EU carbon emissions. But these targets 7 Feature Article: Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature (contd)

must be seen alongside the EU commitment Table 1. Ecological risks associated with technologies needed to meet Europe’s renewable to “halting the loss of biodiversity and the energy targets. degradation of ecosystem services...” by 2020. Low risk Medium risk High risk A stable climate and flourishing biodiversity • Energy savings measures • Solar PV arrays • Liquid biofuels are twin imperatives – two sides of the (e.g.power domestic • Concentrated solar power • Tidal range power same coin. The risk is that failure to plan insulation) • Onshore wind power • New hydro power ahead for rapid expansion in renewables • Vehicles using renewable • Offshore wind power deployment, and to take environmental electricity considerations into account in plans, will • Tidal stream power • Heat pumps endanger Europe’s most valuable sites for • Wave power wildlife and its most vulnerable species. This • Rooftop solar thermal and • Biomass for heat and can already be seen in some parts of Europe; PV panels power for example, failures in the Spanish regions to plan for wind development, and to apply legislation on environmental assessment of After a preliminary review of the risks distribute and transmit renewable electricity plans, has resulted in risks to Special Areas of posed by all forms of renewable energy, are also considered. Table 2 summarises the Conservation (SACs) for important habitats technologies were classified based on the technologies and impact/enhancement areas and Special Protection Areas (SPAs) for birds. risks they pose to wildlife. This categorisation covered in detail in this review. These SACs and SPAs are part of the Natura is set out in Table 1. Technologies that are small-scale, involve little or no additional The Ecological Sustainability of 2000 network of Europe’s most valuable Europe’s 2020 Renewables Plans wildlife sites, protected under the Birds and new infrastructure, and/or do not result in Habitats Directives. any land use charge, are very unlikely to We analysed the EU Member States’ National present significant risks to biodiversity. This Renewable Energy Action Plans (NREAPs) to These risks are by no means inevitable ‘low risk’ category includes roof-mounted generate a clear picture of ambition across however. Europe’s climate, renewable energy solar panels, heat pumps and electric Europe for different renewable energy and biodiversity targets must all be met, and vehicles. Energy saving measures, while not technologies. The NREAPs present Member much can be done to make them compatible renewables technologies, are relevant here State plans for each technology in terms of and mutually reinforcing. since they make achievement of renewables the role they will play in 2020 (additional Renewable Energy Technologies targets easier. Conversely, technologies that to 2005). Over two thirds of the additional and Ecological Sustainability result in complete changes in land use will renewable energy consumed in 2020 will inevitably present significant risks for the be provided by ‘medium conservation risk BirdLife Europe supports achieving and going wildlife present, for example, where valuable technologies’, as identified in our report. beyond Europe’s 2020 renewables target, in These include wind, biomass, tidal and wave line with four key principles: habitats are lost to intensive land use for energy crops or through the construction of power. This heavy dependence on such 1. Renewables must be low carbon. dams for hydro or tidal power. The ‘high risk’ technologies clearly demonstrates the need 2. A strategic approach to deployment is category refers to technologies that present for proactive policy intervention to ensure needed. unacceptable risks in most instances with ecological impacts are minimised. 3. Harm to birds and biodiversity must be currently available technologies, such as new Twelve percent of the increase in renewable avoided. large hydropower dams and liquid biofuels. energy will be provided by ‘low conservation 4. Europe’s most important sites for wildlife With adequate safeguards and/or technical risk technologies’, including solar thermal must be protected. innovation some use of these technologies and heat pumps, as well as renewable may become possible without significant electricity consumed in electric vehicles. ecological risks, but BirdLife sees current These technologies are win-wins for the potential as extremely limited. environment and the climate. In addition, N Most technologies fall into the second, the NREAPs identify additional energy ‘medium risk’, category and require sensitive savings measures that reduce total energy deployment. This category provides much of consumption in 2020 by 10% relative to the focus for Meeting Europe’s Renewable ‘business as usual’ scenarios. Energy savings Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature. It are a very low risk means to make the contains a detailed review of current scientific renewables targets easier to achieve. evidence regarding potential ecological Significant differences in ambition to save risks associated with wind, solar, wave and energy and use low-risk technologies were Bird sensitivity Map for Flanders Region of tidal stream power, and biomass for heat found between Member States, some of Belgium. Details and searchable interactive and electricity. It also reviews the scientific which can only be explained by political map available at http://geo-vlaanderen.agiv. be/geo-vlaanderen/vogelatlas. © Agentschap evidence on the most effective ways to avoid will, rather than suitability of individual voor Geografische Informatie Vlaanderen- those risks, and even to achieve benefits technologies. For example, Poland and Geovlaanderen-Vogelatlas for wildlife. The power lines needed to Belgium intend to make significant use of 8 Table 2. Summary of technologies covered in the review of scientific evidence and examples of impacts and mitigation/enhancement measures covered TECHNOLOGY MAIN CONSERVATION RISKS AVOIDING AND MITIGATING RISKS ACHIEVING BENEFITS FOR WILDLIFE

Solar PV arrays • Habitat loss • Avoid protected areas • Manage vegetation around/ beneath panels for wildlife • Direct impacts on birds, mammals and • Retain trees and hedges insects • Use some revenues to support • Time construction and maintenance on-site conservation • Habitat fragmentation and/or to avoid disturbance of birds and modification bats during breeding seasons

Onshore wind • Disturbance/displacement • Spatial planning (sensitivity mapping • Positive land management power and location guidance) and site changes • Barrier effects selection • Create wildlife areas on- or off- • Collision mortality • Modelling collision risks and site as part of community-benefit • Habitat loss estimating displacement impacts packages

• Improved tools and methodologies to assist pre- and post-construction monitoring and research

• On- or off-site ecological enhancements

Offshore wind • Disturbance/displacement • Spatial planning and site selection. • Reef effects power • Collision risk • Baseline surveys and targeted pre- • No-take zones construction studies • Habitat loss • Contributions to marine • Remote sensing techniques ecological data • Pollution

Tidal stream • Collision risk • None recommended due to early • None recommended due to early and wave stage of development of wave and stage of development of wave • Entrapment power tidal technologies and tidal technologies • Disturbance/displacement

• Indirect effects

Biomass for • Pressure on existing habitats in forests • Location guidance • Manage neglected forests for heat and and on farm land biodiversity gains and sustainable • Good practice guidelines power biomass production • Direct and indirect land-use change • Sustainability standards and • Grow patches of wildlife-friendly certification energy crops, planned to improve • Avoid using biomass from sources habitat connectivity where sustainability cannot be guaranteed

Power lines • Electrocution • Avoid sensitive locations • Manage land beneath pylons as biodiversity ‘stepping stones’ • Collision risk • Retrofitting ‘killer poles’ • Provide ecological enhancements • Habitat loss • Underground cables to affected communities

9 Feature Article: Meeting Europe’s Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with Nature (contd)

The remaining 18% of the increase in consumption is attributed to liquid biofuels. While repowering hydro facilities and wind farms can be achieved with low ecological risks, and can even benefit the environment, new hydro and liquid biofuels are identified here as technologies that carry high ecological risks. BirdLife recommends that further expansion of use of these technologies should be reviewed and any shortfall in meeting the 2020 renewables target should be made up using less risky technology and/or more ambitious energy savings. White fronted geese Anser albifrons and pink- footed geese Anser brachyrhyncus in flight Onshore wind power is expected to and in a stubble field near electricity pylons contribute 24,000ktoe4 more energy to and wind turbine in late autumn – near Europe’s mix in 2020 than in 2005. This is the Diepholz, Lower Saxony, Germany. Credit: Nick Upton (rspb-images.com) largest additional contribution to renewable electricity consumption in 2020. Offshore wind also makes a significant additional solar thermal energy for space heating, while contribution in 2020, of 11,000ktoe. To other northern European countries with illustrate what this could mean on the Composite Sensitivity Map of Scotland for similar weather do not consider it in their ground, this would require installation of location of onshore wind farms with respect to NREAPs. Similarly, heat pumps are seen to a suite of sensitive bird species (presented here approximately 59,000 2-MW onshore wind have great potential in the UK, France and at tetrad level to protect locations of sensitive turbines and 6,600 8-MW offshore wind species). © RSPB and Scottish Natural Heritage Italy and 13 other EU Member States, while turbines. These would occupy surface areas others have not stated an intention to make 2 of approximately 11,800km onshore and wood fuel, an additional annual consumption significantly greater use of this technology. 2 5,300km offshore. These areas are relevant of approximately 88 million oven dry tonnes BirdLife believes that Member States should to ecological influences such as avoidance (odt) would be required. In addition, meeting review the potential for these technologies by birds and fishing exclusion zones, but the the biomass for electricity target using wood and maximise their deployment. actual footprints of the turbines would, of fuel would require an additional 194 million Nineteen percent of the increase in course, be far smaller. odt of wood in 2020. For reference, total renewable energy will be provided by ‘high- Biomass for heat is the biggest contributing wood biomass production across the EU risk technologies’. Additional hydropower technology to meeting the 2020 target each year for all purposes is approximately provides a little over 1%, partly accounted overall. Again, simply to illustrate the scale of 500 million odt. To meet the target for solar for by ‘repowering’ existing facilities. this ambition, if this were all to be met using photovoltaic (PV) to provide an additional 7,000ktoe in 2020 using domestic rooftops the EU would require an additional 19.4 EU-27 million 4-kW PV home systems. The UK is by far the most ambitious nation in terms of developing tidal, wave and ocean energy according to the NREAPs, although five other countries see potential for these Solar thermal 5000 Heat pumps 11000 technologies to deliver significant quantities Electric vehicles from renewables 2000 Onshore wind 24000 of electricity by 2020. BirdLife considers Offshore wind 11000 that with directed innovation funding and Solar photovoltaic 7000 Concentrated solar power 2000 sensitive deployment, wave and tidal stream Biomass for electricity 14000 technologies are potentially significant Biomas for heating 38000 Geothermal for electricity 1000 and ecologically acceptable technologies. Geothermal for heating 3000 Tidal, wave & ocean energy 1000 However, large tidal power ‘barrages’ are Hydro 2000 likely to present very significant ecological Liquid biofuels 26000 risks through loss of intertidal habitats. Hydropower makes only a small additional contribution in 2020 according to the NREAPs. While much of this will involve Additional renewable energy consumption in 2020 compared to 2005, by technology (ktoe). repowering existing facilities or small © Sandra Pape (RSPB) installations, there is a risk that large dams 10 will be built on some of Europe’s last the process through which these concerns concerned. Moreover, institutions often lack remaining ecologically-rich rivers. are reconciled in the public interest, both the necessary capacity to ensure they are Liquid biofuels feature in every NREAP, within and between EU Member States (e.g. properly applied, particularly in the newer reflecting the mandatory requirement to meet in offshore areas). Good planning, based and less wealthy EU Member States. Big gains 10% of transport fuel needs using biofuels, on transparency and public participation, can be made for quite small investments here, hydrogen or renewable electricity. This is ensures suitable locations are identified for and BirdLife Partners are keen to help. various land uses, and improves the public expected to be delivered largely through 8. Protect biodiversity liquid biofuels. acceptability of investments. Maps indicating Renewables will help limit climate change, where the most sensitive habitats and species but healthy ecosystems and protected How to Achieve a Renewables are located are a valuable planning tool for habitats will be essential to enable society Revolution in Harmony with identifying broad zones where renewables and nature to survive the warming that we Nature development is most appropriate. Strategic are already experiencing and cannot avoid. The report identifies eight areas where policy- Environmental Assessment provides an ideal In particular, the Natura 2000 network makers must help to enable a renewables structured framework for environmentally of internationally important sites for revolution in harmony with nature. Action sensitive planning. biodiversity needs robust protection, while in these areas would support investment, 4. Ensure all stakeholders are engaged also accommodating economic activities that minimise ecological impacts and also improve and working together present no significant conservation risks or the public acceptability of investment plans that contribute to conservation goals. and specific projects. At every stage in developing and implementing policies and plans for 1. Commit politically and financially renewables, policy-makers, public institutions, The major obstacle to renewables investment developers, conservation organisations and in the coming decade is likely to be difficulty other stakeholders can benefit from working accessing adequate finance at a reasonable together to find mutually beneficial solutions Notes cost. Investor confidence falls, and the cost and to avoid unnecessary conflicts. 1. BirdLife Europe (2011) Meeting Europe’s of venture capital rises, where incentives Renewable Energy Targets in Harmony with 5. Ensure project impacts are minimised and policy frameworks are unstable. Nature (eds. Scrase I. and Gove B.), The RSPB, Renewables developers routinely take Sandy, UK. http://www.rspb.org.uk/Images/ Certainty needs to be offered both in terms Renewable_energy_report_tcm9-297887.pdf of commitment to renewable energy at a steps to avoid and minimise the impacts political and a practical level. This means that: of their projects, through use of tools such 2. Huntley, B., Green, R.E., Collingham, Y.C., as Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Willis, S.G. (2008) A Climatic Atlas of European i) Europe should urgently set binding Breeding Birds. Lynx Editions, Barcelona, Spain. Policy-makers can help by ensuring the targets for renewables as a share of energy legislative and institutional frameworks in 3. Thomas, C.D., Cameron, A., Green, R.E., consumption in 2030. every Member State are adequate to ensure Bakkenes, M., Beaumont, L.J., Collingham, ii) Member States should ensure suitable environmental assessments are carried out Y.C., Erasmus, B.F.N., Siqueira, M.F.D., Grainger, locations are identified for the major A. and Hannah, L. (2004). Extinction risk from to a high and scientifically rigorous standard, climate change. Nature, 427(6970): 145–148. renewables technologies. and that agreed mitigation measures are iii) Stable incentive frameworks are needed always implemented and monitored for 4. Kilo tonnes of equivalent oil to give investors and all stakeholders more effectiveness. And of course, unacceptably confidence that sufficient renewables will be damaging proposals should be rejected in the delivered. planning system. About the Authors iv) R&D budgets for lower cost and 6. Deliver ecological enhancements Dr Ivan Scrase is Senior Climate Change Policy biodiversity-friendly renewables need to be Officer with the RSPB. He works on renewable Ecological ‘enhancements’ are improvements increased by an order of magnitude. energy and energy infrastructure issues at UK that go beyond measures required to mitigate and EU levels. He previously worked in academic 2. Minimise overall infrastructure needs or compensate for damage. Developers often research on energy policy and innovation. High level strategic planning and energy- provide incentives to communities to make Contact Ivan at: [email protected] system optimisation will reduce the overall their proposals more readily acceptable, such amount of new resources, capacity and as paying for community facilities. Providing Dr Benedict Gove is Senior Conservation infrastructure required. This reduces attractive and wildlife-rich habitats is another Scientist with the RSPB. His work focuses on research and analysis around various topic areas impacts and keeps costs to consumers way to provide community benefits, and to including impacts on birds and other wildlife of and industry down. contribute to local and national biodiversity bioenergy, onshore wind power developments strategies and targets. and disturbance. He previously worked for 3. Introduce strategic spatial planning for Natural England on science and policy relating to renewables 7. Guidance and capacity building bioenergy and genetically modified crops. Renewable energy investments are often Legislation, regulation and good practice for Contact Benedict at: controversial, with supporters and opponents biodiversity-friendly renewables development [email protected] both having legitimate opinions. Planning is are not always well-understood by all parties 11 Feature Article: Biodiversity and Energy Crops in Wales

Redpoll caught in SRC

Willow warbler fitted with transmitter – aerial just visible from tail Biodiversity and Energy Crops in Wales Fred Slater CEnv FIEEM Honorary Senior Research Fellow, Cardiff University

Summary Wales not only has a language different to woodland which is rejuvenated on rotation still creates debate. For anyone wishing to England but also a wetter, more oceanic climate every 3-4 years. Wide untreated headlands delve deeper into this subject there could be and a largely upland pastoral landscape in with enclosing hedgerows allow a rich mammal no better way to start than by entering ‘RELU contrast to the flatter drier, arable acres where and insect fauna in both willow coppice and biomass’ or ‘Rufus Sage’ into Google Scholar. currently much of Britain’s biomass crops are energy grass plantations. In some situations the The profusion of publications this produces is grown. Short rotation willow coppice can latter have been shown to be strongholds of impressive, but generally lacks reference to the grow well in suitable upland soils in Wales but harvest mice and water shrews when compared wetter side of Britain to the west of Offa’s Dyke. grows even better in the lowland maritime to surrounding conventional crops. When Climatic, topographical and land use differences fringe where energy grass crops also prosper in replacing improved pasture or arable, energy between lowland, arable, eastern England and the moist, mild climate. With wildlife-sensitive crops show a positive benefit for biodiversity. the predominantly upland, pastoral, lands of herbiciding, newly planted willow coppice Wales deserve separate consideration. Two offers a window of opportunity for granivorous Introduction types of crops, grown specifically for biomass, birds to harvest the arable weed seeds as the Energy crops have economic, social and are being increasingly planted in Wales, namely crop matures it harbours the warblers and landscape impacts but the question of their short rotation willow coppice (SRC) and the finches characteristic of young deciduous positive or negative impact upon biodiversity grasses Miscanthus and reed canary. 12 Woody Crops Of woody crops grown specifically for biomass, SRC has become the crop of choice in Wales. In the early 1990s only Forestry Commission (Wales) and the now Cardiff University seemed interested in the possibility of using some of Wales’ less productive land for renewable energy production. Using material from the then National Willow Collection at Long Aston and over the next decade, adding new varieties mainly bred in Sweden, several Reed Bunting from SRC experimental sites were established across Redshank growing in first year willow Wales to determine varietal suitability. to birds and small mammals of the weed of fallen leaves. After two years, when the In the context of Wales, SRC impacts seed production in year one. A sea of pink ephemeral fungal colonisers had gone, biodiversity in two main ways: flowers of redshankPersicaria maculosa in there were none of the 10 fruiting fungus • At establishment it creates a pseudo-arable late summer was followed in autumn by seed species in the control plots which did not environment for weeds in a predominantly eating finches and other small passerines. A also occur in the treated plots whereas 20 pastoral landscape. second year crop of SRC in Pembrokeshire species were found in the treated plots which • It creates and maintains early succession was heavily infested with biennial spear thistle were not in the control. Clearly fungi seem woodland conditions on a rotational basis. Cirsium vulgare. As the seed heads matured to be stimulated (at least to fruit) by organic • It can create woody stepping stones across they became a food source for goldfinches amendments but this was not SRC. Willow is an otherwise grassy landscape. but later when the plants fell to the ground generally grown for SRC on a 3-4 year rotation the thrush family (blackbird, song and mistle and mainly without soil amendment but even SRC and Associated Plants thrush, fieldfare and redwing) cleared the in untreated plots there were a range of mainly One of the biodiversity benefits of SRC is remaining seed heads. In north Wales at mycorrhizal soil fungi such as Hebeloma spp. that it requires minimal chemical intervention Glynllifon Agricultural College, wide headlands appearing harmlessly within the crop, but of as, once established, it out competes most planted with winter seed crops for birds more economic significance were the species weeds. Glyphosate is often used to clear the brought species such as redpolls and finches to or cultivar specific leaf rusts of the genus site before it is ploughed and planted and, the willow and also, in summer, added to the Melampsora. particularly in the first year, if herbiciding insect diversity. The ground and soil invertebrates of willow is not too severe, the weed seed bank As with energy grass crops it is the generally have been well studied and although initial germinates and grows benefiting birds and low chemical input required by SRC which planting disturbs the soil, once established small mammals. Depending somewhat on allows biodiversity to develop in headland the soil structure improves through root husbandry, weed diversity declines in the first and inter-plot areas, although inter-harvest binding and humus and organic matter year of second and subsequent rotations as herbiciding and surface amendments such as increases through leaf litter decomposition, the annual and biennial weeds get replaced by farmyard manure and pre-crop lime in acidic fine root turnover and decomposition of perennials such as creeping buttercup. The sites areas is not infrequent. The botanical value of used by ourselves (Cardiff University) on our these largely coarse grass headlands is often own or in conjunction with IBERS (Institute of not great per se but favours, for example, Biological, Environmental and Rural Sciences) at meadow brown and ringlet butterflies and Aberystwyth University are shown in Figure 1 offers small mammal cover, which, in our and are well distributed throughout Wales. experience, is utilised by barn owls. Our first experimental site was on wet peaty Over the years, depending on regulations in clay at 280m OD near Llysdinam in mid-Wales force at the time, we variously used digested where our biomass projects were based, and sewage sludge, and animal manures as consisted of a soft rush Juncus effusus, purple amendments together with inorganic fertilisers moor grass Molinia caeulea rough grassland – and lime. In 1991, Sarah Lynn applied 100, a habitat known as rhos in Wales. The site was 200 and 400m3 of digested sewage sludge treated with glyphosate, ploughed and planted to the ground flora of birch woodland with SRC. In year one there was an abundance and monitored the effect on the general of whorled caraway Carum verticillatum, a biodiversity. Because plants such as bramble scarce species on the eastern edge of its range appeared to respond to the amendments – an early example of SRC enhancing desirable mainly in the year following either a spring species abundance. or autumn application, it was thought that Work on IBERS plots in various parts of nutrient release might be related to fungal Figure 1. Biomass research sites in Wales Wales by Danielle Fry emphasised the value activity geared to the autumn breakdown used by Cardiff University and/or IBERS 13 Feature Article: Biodiversity and Energy Crops in Wales (continued)

organic mulches. The increased structure and stability encourages soil invertebrates such as earthworms, woodlice and carabid beetles, which may enhance nutrient availability and beetles may help keep slugs and slug damage down reducing the need for chemicals. The willows, the weeds and the hedgerows, not forgetting the fungi, form the food resource for the herbivorous link of the food chain. The field headlands are, in reality, not really areas of ‘weeds’ but grasslands in their own right with the insect fauna to match from a wide range of families. The hedgerows not only add tree and shrub diversity with their associated invertebrates, but also provide shade, shelter, organic input from leaves, and environmental corridors, in addition to bird and mammal habitat as well as adding to visual landscape quality. More flying insects were found at the margins than within the crop including shiny chrysomelid willow beetles (Phratora vitellina and P. vulgatissima). The latter left the crop in September and at one site which was surrounded by gorse, hundreds were caught in spiders’ webs. There are a reported 266 species of insects associated with willow in the UK, including the common pests, giant willow aphids Tuberolachnum salignus, chrysomelid beetles and sawflies, although willows, in variety, and when flowering, provide rich and often prolonged forage for bees.

Map for triangulating Warbler locations Radio tracked willow warbler territories (blue with orange-red core) in SRC (yellow)

Bird exclusion net First year SRC with wide headland Giant Willow Aphids 14 Burning Miscanthus Sawflies on willow Spear Thistle first winter prior to flowering

It is not only insects that eat willow, we have Table 1. Small mammal combined totals for a south Pembrokeshire SRC site for 7 trapping seen entire experimental plots of a new willow occasions. variety completely eaten out by rabbits leaving (All 10 traps Hedgerow Headland 5m in crop Crop centre other varieties completely untouched. In field- per location) sized plots rabbits have not been as much of a problem as hares, which find young SRC, Bank Vole 16 2 3 0 particularly in the highest sites, a favourable habitat and eat new shoots particularly in the Common Shrew 5 5 0 0 first year after planting. Deer, fortunately not Pygmy Shrew 4 1 0 1 common in our study areas, will graze SRC and damaged one of our Miscanthus sites on Short-tailed 10 18 4 2 the English border. Vole/Field Vole As for small mammal damage, keeping bank Wood Mouse 11 54 85 99 voles and wood mice in experimental cages with newly sprouted willow, we found only Yellow-necked 2 3 0 1 voles ate the shoots although a few shoots Mouse were incorporated into mouse bedding. Within SRC, although the predominant small mammal Starlings and winter thrushes (fieldfares and some deer damage this was all the ecological was the wood mouse, willow was also utilised redwings) roosted in flocks within taller interaction with the native or near-native fauna by other larger animals such as mole, badger willow; groups of snipe regularly fed in winter that we could find. This was in keeping with (used for cover and forage, particularly in within a wet willow site in Anglesey; barn the perceived wisdom of that time that biomass dry conditions when, below canopy cover, owls fed along the headlands as coarse grass crops were ecologically barren. But a brief the ground remained moister), foxes were areas are often scarce on pastoral areas; at snapshot of one measure of diversity in one frequent, and although not quantified, bats our Anglesey site SRC was also used as cover field on one day holds little of scientific value. were often seen flying above and within more for game birds. Amongst the many species of In 2002, with Defra contract CFP 374/22, open parts of the coppice. By including the birds utilising SRC for breeding were a range Semere and Slater began an investigation into hedgerows and headlands not unexpectedly of finches, warblers, thrushes and buntings. the small mammal fauna is almost exactly the the biodiversity of early establishment energy The commonest breeding bird in all our sites same as that in headlands around energy grass grass plantations looking at Miscanthus, reed was the willow warbler, which through radio- crops (see Table 1). canary grass Phalaris arundinacea and switch tracking was shown to occupy territories which grass Panicum virgatum. Because of the Danielle Fry examined the use of SRC by rarely extended beyond the willow plantation. difference in establishment support between birds to variously, feed, roost, breed or shelter Indeed the highest densities of warblers in England and Wales, much of our early work depending on the species and the time of the vicinities of SRC plantations were in the on perennial rhizomatous energy grasses took year. In early rotation willow, annual weeds plantations themselves. dominate and granivorous birds utilise this place in Herefordshire often only a few metres resource. To assess seed production and Perennial Rhizomatous Grasses from the Welsh border beyond which public utilisation some inter-row areas were netted to as Energy Crops support was scarce. Of these three species, exclude birds with other areas left as controls. Some years ago, with a group of students, I switch grass, from continental USA, was sown In energy terms the seed production at two visited a large plot of 3m high Miscanthus in in spring 2002, but, in spite of initial rigorous sites was 7.15 and 5.13MJ.m-2 or 0.28- Herefordshire in search of leaf eating insects. weed control, its slow first year growth 0.39kg.m-2 sufficient for birds to forage well Ten man hours later our total catch was resulted in the loss of the crop to native into the winter. one (unidentified) caterpillar and except for invasive weeds and so was excluded from the 15 Feature Article: Biodiversity and Energy Crops in Wales (continued)

full trial, although in later years, plug grown mouse, field and bank vole, plus common, Comparing SRC with previous arable crops plants of this and prairie cord grass Spartina pygmy and water shrew with harvest in Yorkshire, the Game Conservancy Trust pectinata were planted out for demonstration mouse Micromys minutus in Pembrokeshire. (Rich et al. 2001) reached the conclusion that purposes in west Wales with good growth and Miscanthus crops contained six species of small “no significant displacement of species has survival rates. mammals with wood mice most abundant, occurred. Some species may have actually In the largely arable landscape of and reed canary grass carried all eight species been encouraged” – modest but positive! The Herefordshire, energy grasses, which require albeit in lower abundance. Grassy field view of our researchers is even more positive minimal chemical input in comparison to margins carried only half the small mammal and I believe that biomass crops in Wales, arable crops, benefit in terms of biodiversity species of Miscanthus, and grazed pasture only be they woody or grass have demonstrable because of untreated headlands and some two species. benefits for biodiversity, particularly where they replace improved pasture or arable. Indeed, in weed species within the crops. Miscanthus, At the Pembrokeshire site, in a study between biodiversity terms, we can convert an arable which takes several years to develop a closed spring 2009 and spring 2010, harvest mice desert to a rich forest, albeit partly grass, with canopy, was used by skylarks, lapwings, were targeted and trapped in Miscanthus significant net gains in energy thrown in – a meadow pipits and grey partridge, most of and reed canary grass as well as hedge-lines, pretty good deal in my view! the remaining 35 species of birds recorded spring barley and maize. Eighty harvest mouse from the crop were associated with the captures/recaptures were made in the period Acknowledgements hedgerow/headland interface. The survey of September to March with most coming Thanks to all the students and staff of Cardiff found that within the crop plus its headland from the reed canary grass, less from the University who have helped to collected the there were 83 species of flowering plants and Miscanthus, and none from any other habitat, data that I have used here, unreferenced ferns, 69 species of beetle, 9 species of small although some old nests were found in the statements are from unpublished reports. mammal and 8 species of butterfly in addition hedges around the biomass fields. Nests were to the birds. found in the reed canary grass but none in Using Longworth traps, and sampling from Miscanthus. However, nests in Miscanthus mid-June to early October, small mammals are reported from Staffordshire and they are References were found in the following descending found in such crops in Japan. Unexpectedly high numbers of water shrew were also found, Clapham, J., Slater, F.M. and Thomas, R. (2011). order of abundance: wood mouse Apodemus Small mammals in tall grasses: biomass crops as sylvaticus > field voleMicrotus agrestis > particularly in reed canary crops. Clearly these a novel habitat. Mammal News, Spring 2011, yellow-necked mouse Apodemus flavicollis > two energy grass crops show considerable 159: 17-18. bank vole Myodes gareolus > pygmy shrew value, particularly for small mammals but Fry, D.A. and Slater, F.M. (2011). Early rotation Sorex minutus > common shrew Sorex their value for other species should not be short rotation willow coppice as a winter food araneus > water shrew Neomys fodiens > overlooked. In the Welsh environment, birds resource for birds. Biomass and Bioenergy 35: 2545-2553. weasel* Mustela nivalis > house mouse* Mus were also important, with migrant warblers musculus (*single records). Wood mouse was present in spring and flocks of reed bunting Rich, T.J., Sage, R.B., Moore, N., Robertson, P., Aegerger, J. and Bishop, J. (2001). Ecology of using the Miscanthus as reed-like roosting sites always most abundant within the crop and Short Rotation Coppice Plantations. ETSU B/ the field vole within the field margin. Water in winter. Most of the farmland and hedgerow U1.00627/REP, DTI/Pub URN/01/768. shrew was only found within established reed birds also foraged within the crops, particularly Semere, T. and Slater, F.M. (2007). Ground canary grass. for weed seeds before canopy closure. flora, small mammals and bird species diversity Subsequently, working with reed canary The harvesting of biomass crops tends to be in Miscanthus (Miscanthus x giganteus) and reed-canary grass (Phalaris arundinacea) fields. grass and Miscanthus in the pastoral in harmony with their wildlife. That willow is Biomass and Bioenergy 31: 20-29. landscape of upland mid-Wales, where the harvested on a short rotation ensures that all Semere, T. and Slater, F.M. (2007). Invertebrate the stages of the crop are always present and latter is at its climatic limit of cultivation, the populations in Miscanthus (Miscanthus x biodiversity story was not greatly different, energy grasses such as Miscanthus are not giganteus) and reed-canary grass (Phalaris particularly as far as small mammals were harvested until spring when their moisture arundinacea) fields. Biomass and Bioenergy concerned. Wood mice and yellow-necked content is lowest giving wildlife the value of 31: 30-39. mice roamed below the forest of Miscanthus winter cover. canes. However, in the reed canary grass Should we be concerned about the loss of Victoria Tombs found some of the highest food producing land to biomass? Taking a densities of field voles that we have ever About the Author parochial view of Wales I think the answer Fred Slater was a pioneer of biomass crops in recorded in any mid-Wales habitat. is no. Much of the land is given over to the Wales, an interest which has continued for two To consolidate our information about the production of sheep and wiser council than decades. For 35 years he was Director of Cardiff University’s Llysdinam Field Centre in mid-Wales biodiversity potential of energy grass crops, mine once said that if all the sheep were supervising a wide spectrum of ecological teaching Jenny Clapham studied sites across Wales from removed from Wales, not a single person and research. He became a Fellow of IEEM in the English/Welsh border through mid-Wales in the world (other than perhaps sheep 1998. to the far south-west in Pembrokeshire. In farmers) would starve – but perhaps the next Contact Fred at: total, across her survey, eight small mammal generation of energy crops grown for ethanol [email protected] species were found: wood and yellow-necked from cellulose might cause more concern. 16 Feature Article: Role of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm

Figure 2. Aerial view of Central Section. Picture credit: SSE Renewables

Introduction Role of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm, a development by SSE Renewables, is one of the largest wind farm sites in Europe with 152 turbines spread Clyde Wind Farm across 47km2. The wind farm is located in the southern upland hills between Biggar Joe Deimel MIEEM and Moffat in South Lanarkshire, Scotland. Land Use Consultants (LUC) Given the scale and location of the wind farm, sensitive environmental and particularly ecological management have been central to the project; the Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) develops and co-ordinates this management during construction. On behalf of SSE Renewables, LUC has been involved in the project since 2002, undertaking ecological baseline surveys, producing the Environmental Statement and (following granting of planning permission) providing ECoW services. This article details the day-to- day duties and challenges faced by the ECoW over the last three years, as construction has progressed. Through delivery of this role, LUC has been able to ensure protection of Figure 1. Ecological constraints in Arrays D and E, Central Section. species and habitats of ecological value, while 17 Feature Article: Role of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm (continued)

contributing to longer term management bog) and protected species (otter, red objectives through co-ordination with the squirrel, badger, reptiles and mountain hare) Habitat Management Plan Officer for the immediately in advance of soil stripping during Clyde Wind Farm. access track and turbine base installation. The resolution of any protected species issues on The site site, despite its scale, proved to be a relatively Key habitats and species of ecological value at straightforward task. This was largely due to the Clyde Wind Farm include: the comprehensive surveys LUC undertook • blanket bog as part of the EIA and at the pre-construction stage. Insufficient surveys at either of these • dry and wet dwarf shrub heath Figure 3. Adult otter investigating entrance stages could have resulted in unnecessary • unimproved acid grassland to holt, during construction phase of nearby delays had new protected species interest bridge. • otter been recorded during the construction stage. Ornithology did not fall directly under the • badger The potential cost implications of such delays ECoW remit, with a separate Ornithological • mountain hare are illustrated by two pairs of swallows that Clerk of Works (OCoW) employed at the wind established nests in tower sections of one of • red squirrel farm to cover bird related aspects. However, the final turbines to be erected on site in the Blanket bog and dwarf shrub heath occur the ECoW occasionally undertook monitoring Central Section. The nests were established throughout the upland areas of the site, with and provided advice to SSE Renewables for in September 2012, in the week prior to unimproved acid grassland at lower levels. ornithological issues, under guidance from the scheduled erection of the turbine. The Badger and red squirrel are present in areas the OCoW. ECoW (with guidance from the Ornithological of plantation forestry, with otters utilising Clerk of Works) monitored the nests until it Management of Sensitive Habitats watercourses across the site. was confirmed that they were no longer in As part of the original site team, the ECoW The Clyde Wind Farm is very extensive, with active use. In this instance adverse weather provided initial guidance on appropriate siting a 105km network of access tracks. The site conditions delayed tower installation until of access tracks. Although the overall site is divided into three construction zones, after the swallows had successfully fledged, layout had been assessed during the EIA for defined as North, Central and South Sections. however should lifting cranes have been the project, planning conditions allowed for Driving from the main site compound of any required to stand idle while the nests were in a 50m micro-siting zone around the agreed given section to the most far-flung turbine active use, each additional day of delay would footprint. From an early stage, the ECoW arrays takes approximately an hour, so ECoW have resulted in substantial additional costs. made use of this micro-siting tolerance to activities had to be carefully planned to ensure In general, establishment of ‘no-work’ suggest route alterations to avoid sensitive good coverage of construction works. ecological safeguard zones around otter habitats such as blanket bog. Due to the undulating, upland topography shelter locations, red squirrel dreys and badger Where construction activities were in close in which the wind farm is situated, weather setts ensured that direct physical disturbance proximity to sensitive habitats, exclusion conditions tend to be cool and generally wet. to protected species, and indirect disturbance fencing or roping was set up to prevent During winter 2010, temperatures fell to from noise or light pollution, were prevented disturbance during works. An exclusion zone -23°C, at which point construction activities across the site. around blanket bog in Array A, North Section, were suspended as diesel in excavators and is shown in Figure 4. other machinery had frozen! Licences from Scottish Natural Heritage (SNH) were required in two areas to allow As far as possible, construction in sensitive Figure 1 shows ecological constraints identified disturbance of a badger sett and an otter holt. habitats was avoided through micro-siting. in Turbine Arrays D and E, Central Section, The licence applications were supported by However, engineering constraints and with Figure 2 providing an aerial view of comprehensive mitigation plans, produced the necessity to build tracks and other Central Section. and then implemented by the ECoW. The infrastructure at high elevations meant Role of the ECoW ECoW closely monitored works in these areas that some works in sensitive habitats were to ensure that the conditions of each licence inevitable. Where such habitats could not The ECoW’s responsibilities can broadly be split were followed. With respect to an otter be avoided during construction, careful into four main areas: licence, SSE Renewables provided a ‘camera management of stripped vegetation was • management of protected species; trap’ (Bushnell Trophy Cam) to monitor the carried out to maximise the opportunity for • management of sensitive habitats; effectiveness of mitigation. Footage of otters successful re-establishment of appropriate • liaison and coordination of parties; and investigating the shelter and moving along plant communities on track embankments and other areas that were restored following • site monitoring (focusing on drainage) and the bank of the adjacent watercourse was construction works. reporting. obtained on multiple occasions during and after construction of the bridge, indicating For blanket bog habitat, soil stripping was Management of Protected Species that mitigation had been successful in carried out in stages, with peat turves Early-stage ECoW activities included checks minimising disturbance to otters. A still from containing the vegetated mat and the for sensitive habitats (in particular blanket this monitoring footage is shown in Figure 3. top 150mm of peat excavated and stored 18 Figure 4. Fencing erected around blanket bog to mark exclusion zone during works at adjacent turbine. adjacent to the works area, separate from Due to engineering and topographical in close liaison with SSE Renewables and the the sterile, deeper layers of peat. Following constraints, some areas of the site were engineering Principal Contractors (PCs). backfilling or restoration of works areas, not suitable for effective reinstatement of Liaison and Co-ordination of Parties turves were replaced with the vegetated the original vegetation. In these sectors, surface uppermost, on top of restored sterile supplementary seeding was applied to bare Given the scale of the project, one of the deep peat. Handling of turves was kept to embankments and cuttings, using seed mixes major challenges encountered by the ECoW at a minimum as this could have affected the containing species representative of the Clyde Wind Farm has been the management integrity of the vegetated mat layer, reducing surrounding habitat types. The constituent of positive communication. the likelihood of successful vegetation species were discussed and agree with Under planning conditions for the wind farm, regeneration. The ECoW provided well- the Habitat Management Plan officer for the ECoW held responsibility for co-ordinating received toolbox talk briefings alongside direct the site, to ensure they contributed to the ecological and environmental monitoring guidance to contractor crews, to ensure that establishment of the desired post-construction and protection activities carried out by SSE any difficulties in applying these techniques habitats. The ECoW co-ordinated design and Renewables, the major PCs on site and their were overcome. implementation of the seeding programme, sub-contractors, environmental consultants 19 Feature Article: Role of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm (continued)

specialising in peat management and water quality, and drainage designers. Over the course of the construction at Clyde there have been five PCs, each employing a number of engineering sub-contractors: at the peak of construction works approximately 400 personnel were working on site. This created a challenge for the ECoW to ensure that all staff were fully aware of the environmental sensitivities of the site and their responsibilities. Each PC employed their own environmental specialists, with whom the ECoW worked closely to ensure that environmental procedures were followed. Due to some variation in content of environmental and ecological method statements between PCs, the ECoW provided a co-ordinating role to the PC environmental managers, to ensure consistency of approach. At times of high construction activity and works in sensitive areas, two ECoWs were present on site to manage the workload and to ensure effective communication. To enable this extensive team of specialists to work effectively together, a number of technical reporting mechanisms were set up to allow for comments or objections to be collated and resolved in an efficient manner. These included technical queries (TQs) and temporary works approval requests (TWARs) through which the PCs provided details of additional or amended work proposals. TQs and TWARs were issued to the ECoW and other project environmental specialists, to enable comments and environmental requirements to be collated. Figure 5. ‘French drain’ installed alongside link track in North Section. In addition to this, the ECoW chaired fortnightly Environmental and Ecological issues. This was particularly important during of small watercourses present. Run-off Protection Group meetings, attended by SSE occasions of silt run-off into watercourses, contaminated with silt represents one of the Renewables, Planning Monitoring Officers which required prompt environmental major ecological impacts of construction work, (PMOs), and site environmental specialists. responses. Through the ECoW, SSE with potential to reduce the quality of fish These meetings proved to be a key tool to Renewables were able to keep SEPA informed spawning areas in watercourses downstream ensure that information was disseminated when such problems occurred; the ECoW of the works, and to reduce the diversity of successfully around the project team, providing was then able to discuss remediation options aquatic invertebrate communities. The ECoW a forum for open discussion of environmental with SEPA and provide guidance back to SSE worked closely with SSE Renewables and the problems arising on site and enabling common Renewables, to ensure the most effective PCs to advise where upgrades to site drainage goals to be agreed. The regularity of the solutions were used. measures were required, and to recommend meetings enabled issues arising on site to be where these could be best sited for minimal rapidly addressed by gathering all interested Site Monitoring and Reporting adverse impact on surrounding habitats. An parties together in one room at one time, not One of the main day–to-day tasks of the example of an effective additional drainage an easy feat on a project of this scale. ECoW is to provide an on-site presence, installation, a clean-stone ‘French drain’ built SSE Renewables were keen to co-operate driving across sections of the site to view to treat silty run-off arising from the link track closely with the statutory regulators and the ongoing construction activities and monitor between Arrays A and C, North Section, is ECoW provided specialist liaison with SNH site drainage. At Clyde Wind Farm drainage shown in Figure 5. and the Scottish Environment Protection has been a key issue due to the high volumes The findings from the site monitoring Agency (SEPA) during resolution of ecological of rainfall at the site, and the large number inspections are recorded within monthly 20 reports, distributed both to the site North Section enabling works track, a dry HMP will continue to be implemented by SSE construction team and to the statutory stone wall was present at a field boundary; Renewables throughout the lifetime of the regulators. These reports detail the actions track construction was delayed for a wind farm. arising from each month, for example, where number of days until a works crew could be drainage issues have been encountered and organised to conduct a destructive search Conclusions additional pollution prevention measures are of this wall, in case reptiles were sheltering The ECoW services provided at Clyde Wind required. The monthly reports are used as within it. The ECoW was able to refer Farm are a good example of the challenges reference documents; any required actions are to the Reptile Protection Plan to provide faced by ecologists working on large-scale discussed within the following month’s report reasoned justification for the delay, providing wind farms. At Clyde Wind farm the complex to ensure that they were resolved swiftly. reassurance to SSE Renewables and the PCs terrain provided both environmental and Other reporting carried out includes the that such a delay, until completion of the engineering challenges with the key concern management of a species log, which records destructive search, was a requirement under centred on drainage and the provision of sightings or evidence of protected species; the planning conditions. effective control of silty run-off. Whilst all members of the site team are encouraged ecologists may be well-trained in protected to report sightings to the ECoW and many The Next Steps - Contribution to species surveys and the recognition of sensitive are keen to be involved. The log successfully Habitat Management Plan habitats, these concerns highlighted the need enables the ECoW to action additional Long-term habitat management at the Clyde for ECoWs to have a working understanding measures required with respect to protected Wind Farm will be delivered through a Habitat of wider environmental issues and the species as and when they arise. Management Plan (HMP). The HMP is managed construction/engineering process. by SSE Renewables and covers an area of The Ecological Protection Plan, developed Key Tools Used by the ECoW 31.5km2, providing a valuable opportunity for at an early stage in the Clyde Wind Farm The work of the ECoW is guided by large-scale habitat management. The key aims development, was a highly effective reference mitigation recommendations given in the of the HMP include: document. Its approval during the planning Environmental Statement and other planning • management and enhancement of the submission process prevented the need for documentation, including the ‘Ecological existing ecological value of the HMP area; and lengthy discussions during the construction Protection Plan’ (EPP) for the wind farm phase and allowed for the speedy and • restoration and creation of valuable habitats, construction phase. Together these documents successful resolution of ecological issues. including upland heath, grassland and provided comprehensive guidance for all native broadleaf woodland, on previously The early establishment of open lines of ecological issues likely to be encountered forested areas. communication and close collaborative during construction works (with the exception working with the Habitat Management of ornithology, covered separately). On a site In 2011, SSE Renewables appointed a Plan Officer, the SSE Renewables site team, the scale of Clyde Wind Farm it has been dedicated officer to manage the ongoing Principal Contractors and other parties has extremely important to have this established development and implementation of the been crucial to the success of the ECoW set of procedures and by having these agreed HMP. This not only demonstrated SSE role at Clyde Wind Farm. This approach has with all parties during the planning process, Renewables’s commitment to habitat enabled the effective protection of the site’s it has allowed rapid mitigation decisions to management but provided a specialist point ecological value during the construction phase, Figure 5. ‘French drain’ installed alongside link track in North Section. be made. of contact for the ECoW through the main contributing to the future success of the Cyde construction phase. The early establishment The EPP is the core working document for the Wind Farm Habitat Management Plan. ECoW. It contains a description of the roles and ongoing development of an effective and responsibilities of the ECoW, details of working relationship between the ECoW Acknowledgements and HMP Officer has ensured that the aims Protection Plans for mammals, reptiles, This article has been produced with the of the HMP were not adversely impacted terrestrial habitats and freshwater habitats, kind assistance of Emma Ahart (Habitat during construction. and detailed guidance on the responsibilities Management Plan Officer), Mike Scott and of the PCs. Step-by-step instructions are given A key area of liaison with the HMP Officer Alan Evans of SSE Renewables, and Sarah for responses to potential ecological issues, has been with regards to reinstatement. In Bassett and Steve Jackson-Matthews of LUC. in a format suitable for incorporation into areas where reinstatement using turves had contractor method statements. Guidance been a challenge or unsuccessful, the ECoW within the EPP, supplemented by photographs worked closely with the officer as well as SNH and figures, is used as the basis for toolbox to ensure that proposed seed mixes or plug About the Author talks provided by the ECoW at the start of plants, in specific locations, were suitable Joe Deimel has been working for LUC as an each construction phase and incorporated for the site and met the requirements of the ECoW on Clyde Wind Farm since January 2011. Joe is a full member of the Institute of into contractor health, safety and proposed habitat management. Ecology and Environmental Management, and environment briefings. Close liaison with the HMP Officer also proved a member of the Association of Environmental The ECoW has been able to use the EPP to to be valuable in supporting management and Ecological Clerks of Works. support decisions which sometimes have decisions with third parties, including PMOs, Contact Joe at: had programme and/or cost implications. SNH and with SSE Renewables. Following [email protected] For example, during construction of the completion of the construction phase the 21 Feature Article: Wind Speed and Bat Activity: Assessing and Mitigating the Effects of Wind Turbines

Wind Speed and Bat Activity: Assessing and Mitigating the Effects of Wind Turbines Mike Gray CEnv MIEEM Peter Owens MIEEM Mike Armitage CEnv MIEEM Arcus Consultancy Services Arcus Consultancy Services Arcus Consultancy Services

© English Nature

Summary Introduction Wind turbines pose a novel hazard to bats, Methods for the survey, assessment and results of surveys and to make well-informed but the effects of wind turbines on bats in monitoring of birds are reasonably well assessments and decisions. In the absence the UK are poorly understood, despite the established (e.g. Band et al. 2007; Scottish of such evidence, decisions about the effects large number of operational wind farms. Natural Heritage 2005; Natural England of wind energy developments are based on Methods for the assessment and mitigation 2010), but similar methods for bats are only precautionary principles, general guidance, of the potential effects of wind turbines on recently emerging (Hundt 2012) which may or examples from other countries, which may bats in the UK are not yet well developed or help to improve consistency among wind risk over- or under-estimating the effects of evidence-based and so assessments remain farm assessments and ensure that results and a development. The risk of under-estimating open to scrutiny and disagreement. We conclusions are more robust. Nonetheless, the effects of wind turbines on bats may outline a method for assessing both the risk there remains a lack of sound UK-based allow developments to proceed with harmful to bats and for establishing mitigation based research and evidence to help ecologists, effects. The risk of over-estimating the effects on an analysis of bat activity in relation to developers and statutory nature conservation of wind turbines on bats may mean that a wind speed. organisations (SNCOs) understand the development is refused planning permission

22 or that mitigation is proposed which is whereas the operation of wind turbines is mounted at the same time as met mast either unnecessary or makes a development positively associated with wind speed until installation, although methods for retro- unviable. Given that the effects of wind an upper limit is reached. In other words: at fitting such equipment on fixed met masts, turbines may not be known for many years, higher wind speeds, bat activity is likely to and for monitoring bat activity and wind despite ongoing research into the subject be relatively low whereas turbines are more speed at height in the absence of fixed met (e.g. Jones et al. 2009), there is an urgent likely to be operating, and vice versa. Turbine masts, are available. need for practical and straightforward tools operation and bat activity are therefore The equipment setup should therefore that provide decision-makers with suitable inextricably linked by wind speed, but it comprise AnaBats (or microphones) mounted information on which to base their decisions. is only relatively recently that research has at ground level, 30m and 50m above ground The method described analyses bat activity demonstrated how this link can be used level. Every bat call recorded by an AnaBat in relation to wind speed and provides a to inform mitigation. Research from North can therefore be attributed to a wind speed at tool for assessing the risk to bats and can be America (Baerwald et al. 2009; Arnett et al. that point in time (because AnaBat files and extended to help inform mitigation proposals. 2011) demonstrates how the cut-in speed of wind speed data are time stamped), thereby The method is site- and species-specific and wind turbines (i.e. the minimum wind speed providing an opportunity to investigate is appropriate to all sizes of development. at which wind turbines begin rotating) can relationships between bat activity and wind We do not intend for this method to be be manipulated to significantly reduce bat speed. The larger the sample size (i.e. number the only way in which the effects on bats mortality. A recent collaboration between of nights and/or times of year), the more can be assessed – other methods, including wind turbine manufacturer Nordex and robust the analyses. Wind speed is seldom professional judgement and experience, researchers at Biotope has provided a system measured at ground level, however wind remain valuable – but it does provide an which models a multitude of environmental speeds at heights beyond the range from objective approach to an often subjective variables to predict bat activity near turbines which actual wind speeds were recorded can issue. The method should therefore provide and to modify the operation of turbines be accurately estimated (see Bowdler et al. decision-makers with valuable information accordingly. However, these examples 2009), although these are not discussed here. on which to base their decisions, and may have resulted from long-term, well-funded improve the accuracy and transparency of collaborative research (between developers, Analyses assessments. We describe only the basic national agencies and academics) which is It is important that investigations of bat elements of our approach, but a detailed, unlikely to be viable or appropriate for the activity and wind speed do not oversimplify a step-by-step method and example data many smaller-scale UK developments. Whilst potentially complex and sensitive association, sets are available from the authors, and we a consideration of many environmental for example, by crudely comparing nightly would welcome correspondence with readers variables may provide accurate predictive bat activity with nightly mean wind speeds. interested in discussing or applying the models of bat behaviour, such models may be AnaBat files should be analysed in the usual methods in their own work. time-consuming and difficult to parameterise manner to identify species, but the following or may lack applicability among sites, regions analyses require that wind speed and AnaBat Bats and Wind or species. Simpler models with fewer data are recorded simultaneously and output Research into the effects of wind farms on parameters and fewer assumptions are more into the same time period. For example, bats is reasonably well established in North easily understood and offer an intuitive, mean wind speed per 10 minute time period America and some northern European transparent approach to predicting bat and mean number of AnaBat files for the countries, notably Denmark and Germany, activity, albeit at the cost of some accuracy. same 10 minute period. These outputs allow where small- to large-scale research projects the mean number of AnaBat files (or passes/ have investigated many aspects of wind Survey Methods registrations) to be associated with a given farms, including: pre- and post-construction The method described assumes that a mean wind speed at a given height. The monitoring techniques; the efficacy of meteorological (met) mast is installed frequency of bat passes for a given wind mitigation; the behaviour of bats; and within the development site. Met masts speed range can now be calculated from causes of mortality. Comprehensive reviews have anemometry equipment mounted the whole dataset (i.e. pooled across all of current research into the effects of wind at known heights, and it is recommended heights) to examine bat activity in relation energy on bats are provided by Jones et that automated bat monitoring equipment to wind speed irrespective of height above al. (2009) and Ellison (2012), the former is mounted at corresponding heights; ground, typically presented as a histogram or particularly focussed on the UK situation. 30m and 50m are typical and correspond, tabulated as in Table 1. Note that only wind Some of the most important research to date, approximately, to the lower and middle speed data from periods when AnaBats are in terms of our understanding of effective reaches of the rotor-swept height of a recording (typically from around dusk until assessment and mitigation, has come from typical medium-large turbine. Although dawn) should be included in the analysis. The wind farms in North America which show the method described is based on remotely dataset can also be divided, if sample sizes that environmental variables, particularly monitoring bat activity with AnaBats (with are sufficiently large, into smaller subsets to wind speed, may have a valuable role to play extended microphones), it is applicable, investigate patterns for individual species in predicting and mitigating effects. with modifications, to data generated by or groups of species, such as ‘high-risk’ or Bat activity is generally acknowledged to other remote monitoring and handheld bat congeneric species. be negatively associated with wind speed, detectors. Bat monitoring equipment is best 23 Feature Article: Wind Speed and Bat Activity: Assessing and Mitigating the Effects of Wind Turbines(continued)

Table 1. Bat activity and wind speed (example Site A) Wind Speed Number of Cumulative Cumulative % of that present across a wind farm, and so (m/s) passes number of passes (N = 485) the analysis of bat activity and wind speed as described, whilst providing an important and 0.0–<0.5 33 33 7% quantifiable part of an assessment, should 0.5–<1.0 20 53 11% be combined with other survey results, 1.0–<1.5 32 85 18% local knowledge, development proposals, 1.5–<2.0 37 122 25% etc. to inform assessments. The method is also more suited to sites with high levels of 2.0–<2.5 38 160 33% bat activity, which are also inherently more 2.5–<3.0 29 189 39% sensitive, since small sample sizes will yield 3.0–<3.5 50 239 49% unreliable results. In addition, if limited bat 3.5–<4.0 67 306 63% activity is recorded at height, then examining 4.0–<4.5 62 368 76% bat activity and wind speed may not be necessary because the sample size would be 4.5–<5.0 37 405 84% small and collision-risk might reasonably be 5.0–<5.5 20 425 88% considered unlikely. 5.5–<6.0 28 453 93% The lack of empirical evidence about the 6.0–<6.5 20 473 98% effects of wind farms on bats is not a reason 6.5–<7.0 4 477 98% to hold back their development but, instead, 7.0–<7.5 7 484 100% should be the impetus for more research to make sure that decision-makers are well- 7.5–<8.0 1 485 100% informed and that the necessary safeguards 8.0–<8.5 0 485 100% to conserve bats are in place.

The dataset for example Site A (Table 1) operating. The threshold for determining shows the mean number of bat passes what might constitute a significant collision per wind speed interval and thus provides risk, or for setting acceptable cut-in speeds, an initial indication of how bat activity will depend on many other factors, including is associated with wind speed. However, absolute number of bat passes (rather than the association between bat activity and percentages), species biology, development wind speed is more clearly understood proposals and economics. by calculating the cumulative number or Wind shear is the difference in wind speed at percentage of bat passes with increasing different heights above ground. For example, a wind speeds which shows how much of the 60m hub-height wind speed of 3m.s-1 may be total recorded activity is likely to occur at a measured at 20m and 80m above ground level given wind speed, particularly at the cut-in at 1.5m.s-1 and 5m.s-1, respectively. It is clear, speed for the candidate turbines. therefore, that comparisons between wind The way in which bat activity is associated speed measured at height and bat activity with wind speed is more clearly seen by measured at ground level require careful plotting an activity accumulation curve interpretation, and the effects of wind shear (see Figure 1) which can be valuable in must be considered in analyses and when demonstrating the strength of association determining potential operational mitigation. or inflection points – critical wind speeds at These basic analyses can be extended in which bat activity changes markedly. At Site many ways, for example by examining bat A, bat activity is less affected by wind speed passes per unit time (sometimes called a Bat and only 39% of bat activity was recorded at Activity Index), analysing data from two or wind speeds below 3m.s-1 (the cut-in speed more met mast monitoring locations within a for many candidate turbines); however, at site site, examining nightly and seasonal temporal B, bat activity is more clearly affected by wind patterns of activity, or estimating how bat speed and over 70% of activity was recorded activity differs between different heights at a at wind speeds below 3m.s-1. The figure also given wind speed, the latter demonstrating provides a valuable tool for estimating bat how bat activity only in the rotor-swept zone activity at alternative cut-in wind speeds: is affected by wind speeds. raising the cut-in speed to 5m.s-1 would mean that only approximately 84% of bat Conclusions activity at Site A, and 94% of activity at Site It is important to note that the sampled bat B would occur when turbines would not be activity is likely to represent only a proportion 24 Figure 1. Activity accumulation curve

100 References 90 Arnett, E.B., Huso, M.M.P., Schirmacher, M.R. and Hayes, J.P. (2011). Altering wind 80 turbine speed reduces bat mortality at wind- energy facilities. Frontiers in Ecology and the 70 Environment 9: 209–214.

60 Baerwald, E.F., Edworthy, J., Holder, M. and 50 Barclay, R.M.R. (2009). A large-scale mitigation experiment to reduce bat fatalities at wind- 40 energy facilities. Journal of Wildlife Management 73: 1077–1081. 30 Band, W., Madders, M. and Whitfield, D.P.

Cumulative % of Activity 20 (2007). Developing field and analytical methods to assess avian collision risk at wind farms. In: 10 de Lucas, M., Janss, G.F.E. and Ferrer, M. (eds.) 0 Birds and Wind Farms: Risk Assessment and Mitigation, pp. 259–275.

Ellison, L.E. (2012). Bats and wind energy: A literature synthesis and annotated bibliography.

0.0–<0.5 0.5–<1.0 1.0–<1.5 1.5–<2.0 2.0–<2.5 2.5–<3.0 3.0–<3.5 3.5–<4.0 4.0–<4.5 4.5–<5.0 5.0–<5.5 5.5–<6.0 6.0–<6.5 6.5–<7.0 7.0–<7.5 7.5–<8.0 8.0–<8.5 U.S. Geological Survey Open-File Report.

Wind speed (m/s) Bowdler, D., Bullmore, A., Davis, B., Hayes, M., Jiggins, M., Leventhall, G. and McKenzie, Site A A. (2009). Prediction and assessment of wind Site B turbine noise: Agreement about relevant factors for noise assessment from wind energy projects. Acoustic bulletin 34: 35–37.

Hundt, L. (2012). Bat Surveys: Good Practice Guidelines (2nd Edition). Bat Conservation Trust.

Jones, G., Cooper-Bohannon, R., Barlow, K. and Parsons, K. (2009). Scoping and Method Development Report: Determining the potential ecological impacts of wind turbines on bat populations in Britain. Phase 1 Report.

Scottish Natural Heritage (2005). Survey methods for use in assessing the impacts of onshore windfarms on bird communities (Revised 2010).

Training event IEEM are offering several courses on bat mitigation and surveying, for further details and to book a place visit www.ieem.net/events.

About the Authors Dr Mike Gray is a Principal Ecologist with Arcus, specialising in the Ecological Impact Assessment of onshore wind farms.

Peter Owens is a Senior Ecologist and Natural England-licenced bat worker with Arcus, specialising in the survey and assessment of bats for onshore wind farms.

Mike Armitage is an Associate Director with Arcus, specialising in the Ecological Impact Assessment of onshore and offshore wind farms. Contact them at: [email protected]

25 Feature Article: How Not to Write an Ecological Impact Assessment

How Not to Write an Ecological Impact Assessment Katherine Drayson Stewart Thompson MIEEM Oxford Brookes University Oxford Brookes University

Table 1. Examples of emotive or unscientific language to avoid in EcIAs. This slightly tongue-in-cheek opinion piece Emotive/Unscientific Language To Avoid aims to give practitioners an insight into Notoriously More-or-less some of the pitfalls that are all too easy to fall into when writing an Ecological Impact Strange Somewhat Assessment (EcIA) chapter. Simply One kind or another EcIA is “a formal process of defining, Theoretically conceivable Eminently re-creatable quantifying and evaluating the potential Burdened Once cattle or whatever were sourced impacts of defined actions on ecosystems”1. Improbable notion Modest Given this definition, you would be forgiven Conjured Believed for thinking that EcIA chapters are dull academic documents, dry as dust and full Self-evidently Bereft of statistics and graphs. But in the course of reviewing 112 EcIAs over the past three offended by traps that kill insects.” Whilst the developer, there is no excuse for poor years, we have discovered not only some there was certainly an issue to be addressed, spelling and grammar. Letting simple errors disappointing facts2 but some comedy gems. a more balanced approach in this instance through does not induce confidence in the might have been: “Insect trapping was reader that larger errors were avoided. Here, In the interests of science communication, avoided, as previous experience in the area we have selected some of the best (or worst, and hopefully improving EcIAs at the has shown high rates of trap removal by depending on your point of view) examples same time, here are a few of the choicest the public”, followed by a description of the of spelling and grammatical errors, in no (anonymous) findings. As you read on, it is other methodologies used. particular order (Table 2). It should be noted worth bearing in mind that all of the EcIAs that several of these errors would have been were submitted from 2000 onwards (i.e. Spelling and Grammar picked up by commercially available spelling they’re relatively recent) and all were granted Given the number of times EcIAs should and grammar checking facilities. planning permission (so these errors have have been reviewed before submission to been missed by the decision-making authority and consultees). Table 2. Examples of spelling and grammatical errors in EcIAs. Emotive/Unscientific Language Offending Sentence (errors are in bold) Ecology is a science3, although a young one4. The Phase 1 Habitat Survey assessing higher plants identified mascular plant communities To maintain a credible reputation, ecological as set out in Figure 1. consultants have the unenviable task of Refuse Searches having to balance scientific accuracy with 8.8.6 Terrestrial shelter (rubbish, logs, stones etc) was searched to try and locate the readability. The majority of EcIAs managed presence of any newts in land surrounding the water bodies. this balancing act well, but there were The construction process, demolition of buildings and loss of tress within the ZoI could have enough EcIAs wobbling on the tightrope a negligible to slight negative residual effect, but not significant, effect within the ZoI. to give some cause for concern. This No signs of water voles were found anywhere other than in the . included EcIAs co-ordinated by large and Details relating to whether or not these pants may be conserved in situ, require reputable ecological consultancies. Having translocation or other means of conservation, will be agreed with English Nature. gone through the EcIAs, we have picked out words or short phrases that should be Typically flounder feed invertebrate with the incoming tide. avoided because of their imprecision and/or The…breeding bird survey did not identify shell duck or wheatear as confirmed breeding emotiveness (Table 1). species. A personal favourite was this EcIA sentence Linnett (Carduelis cannabina) explaining why trapping was not conducted …with other grass species present in smaller proportions including Yorkshire fog (Holcus for an invertebrate survey: “Furthermore, lanatus), red rescue (Festuca rubra) and meadow grasses (Poa species). because of a misguided sense of animal The best period to undertake felling works for trees that do not have confirmed bat roast rights, many urban-dwelling people are status is in spring…

26 Lack of Rigour Conclusion It is easy to rush through an EcIA when you With a review of 112 documents at an are over budget and lacking sleep from too average of 35 pages each (although some many bat surveys. But it is important to make were several hundred pages long), it was sure your writing is clear and your arguments inevitable that there would be some mistakes fully justified, both to create a good and errors in judgement. On the whole, impression with the readers of the EcIA and the writing style of EcIAs is appropriate but to prevent requests for clarification from the there is still plenty of room for improvement. developer, planning authority or consultees. With IEEM applying for a Royal Charter, its These were just a few of the shortest members need to take greater responsibility examples of poor argument and reasoning for the reports that they write. we came across (Table 3).

Table 3. Examples of poor argument and reasoning. Poor Reasoning Comments The rest of the building was in a poor state This indicates that both poor and good states of repair and so offered limited bat potential. of repair result in limited bat potential. There The two marina office buildings are in a was no further explanation of this in the Common red soldier beetle Rhagonycha fulva, good state of repair and consequently have EcIA. Kent. Photo by Katherine Drayson limited bat potential. A further potential impact is damage to the This suggests that all impacts beyond the site References Copse during construction through access boundary are to be dismissed, contrary to 1. Treweek, J. (1995). Ecological Impact to the site by contractors. Since the site lies IEEM’s recommendations of identifying the Assessment. In: Vanclay, F. and Bronstein, D.A. outwith the application boundary, there will Zone of Influence. (eds.) (1995). Environmental and Social Impact be no effect. Assessment. J. Wiley, Chichester.

The effects of lighting on bat activity are Acknowledgement of the poor state 2. Drayson, K. and Thompson, S. (2012). EcIAs: poorly understood, and conflicting reports of knowledge is good, but either the The Spirit Versus the Letter of the Law? In Practice 75: 26-29. exist regarding the disorienting effects of Precautionary Principle should have been strong lighting and, conversely, the beneficial employed here, or a further explanation as to 3. Lackie, J. (2007). Chambers Dictionary of effects of certain types of lighting in why it is considered that there won’t be any Science and Technology. Chambers Harrap, Edinburgh. attracting insect food for bats. Overall, there significant impacts provided. are unlikely to be any significant impacts 4. Daniels, R.E. (1988). The Role of Ecology in Planning: Some Misconceptions. Landscape on bats associated with this phase of the and Urban Planning 15: 291-300. development. The mitigation/compensation measures The loss of irreplaceable habitats cannot, by would substantially ameliorate these impacts; definition, be compensated fully. however, short term losses of irreplaceable Training event habitats would only be compensated fully in IEEM are offering a suite of courses the long term. on EcIA at beginner, intermediate and advanced levels. For further details and to book a place visit www.ieem.net/events.

About the Author Katherine Drayson is a final year PhD student at Oxford Brookes University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences, supervised by Stewart Thompson. She previously worked as an ecological consultant for two years. Contact Katherine at: [email protected]

Stewart Thompson is a Professor in Biodiversity Conservation at Oxford Brookes University’s Faculty of Health and Life Sciences. Contact Stewart at: [email protected] Cyclamen Cyclamen hederifolium, Kent. Photo by Katherine Drayson 27 Feature Article: Improving the Evidence in Evidence- Based Conservation

Improving the Evidence in Evidence-Based Conservation John Altringham Professor of Animal Ecology and Conservation, University of Leeds

Harp traps at cave

Introduction The importance of giving conservation an standards we have to try. This article is a call methods improved. However, practice lags ‘evidence-base’ is widely acknowledged, but for the wider application of a more objective behind theory and we often have little or no the concept is not always fully understood and thoughtful approach to some areas of objective evidence to demonstrate whether or applied. Evidence-based conservation practical conservation. or not our actions have had the desired is as much a question of approach as the A core principle of evidence-based effect – we cannot distinguish success from application of technology and technique. All conservation is that methods of assessment, failure. Some of the problems result from we have to do is think more carefully about management, monitoring and mitigation time and cost constraints that can be hard our objectives, follow some simple rules, must be tried and tested – they must be to overcome when dealing with planners, and bring a little science into the process. known to work. If the evidence for their builders and others whose first concern may So it should be easy, right? If only! Clear effectiveness is lacking then obtaining not be nature conservation. We may also be thinking and planning can be hard work, that evidence should be an integral part limited by technology and expertise, which and simple rules may be difficult to apply to of the conservation process. Gaps in our is why we constantly seek to improve both. complex situations. But, if we are to raise knowledge should be progressively filled and However, failure is often also due to a lack 28 of clarity and rigour in planning, executing Working Together and reporting conservation work. These are In a recent article, Hill and Arnold (2012) things we ought to be able to do something made an important distinction between about. Some aspects of good practice may consultancy and academic research: academic appear self-evident and beneath discussion, evidence must be compelling before it can but my experience suggests otherwise, so this be published, but consultants must often article will cover issues that may seem trivial. make judgements based on poor evidence. I apologise if I offend or bore some of my I accept the distinction, but consultants readers, but all stem from real cases I have who apply research principles to their work encountered, primarily in my work with bats. whenever possible, make better judgments However, the issues are not restricted to bats and contribute to the evidence base. We – most are generic and relevant to other areas need to improve data sharing between of conservation practice. consultants, NGOs, SNCOs and academics Consultants Should be to build the conservation evidence base. Scientists Practical conservation research is low on the agenda of most funding agencies, so In conversation with ecologists from a academics are as resource-constrained as well-known consultancy I was told: “We everyone else. Sharing data has the potential aren’t scientists, we don’t do science, it’s to do great good – but the data need to be not our job.” I think they are wrong and I fit for purpose. In universities there are PhD, know many other consultants would agree masters and undergraduate students eager to with me, but the view does appear to be make use of good data from consultants and widespread. Many of the core activities in licence returns. ecological consultancy must adhere to basic scientific principles. Conclusions drawn and Let’s work through the steps of a hypothetical Brown long-eared bat recommendations made should, whenever case study, from starting brief to final report possible, be supported by verifiable, and recommendations, and take a look at repeatable, unbiased data. Just because some of the issues. If it feels like you have the nature and volume of data that can be been dragged back into a university lecture – collected are constrained by time, money and sorry, but I hope you find some points useful! the client’s needs, does not mean that the What, Precisely, Do You Want to basic rules can be ignored. We must gather Find Out? and present our evidence objectively and we must still assess that presented by others with Whatever the project, it will involve some form the same objectivity. of information gathering. This information will be the raw material you use to answer the The view that consultants should be questions set, explicitly or implicitly, vaguely scientists is supported by the law itself. To or precisely, by the client. The link between comply with EU law, planners, in determining data collection and the important questions whether or not to approve a development, must assess the possible detrimental effects is sometimes rather sketchy – we have a bad of the development and be confident that habit of working out the details later, when “...no reasonable scientific doubt remains as it is too late to correct our mistakes. For to the absence of such effects” (European example, if you are contracted to assess the Court of Justice Case C-127/02, Waddenzee impact of a new road, and the effectiveness Case 2004). The onus is therefore on of mitigation features, it is not enough to planners to demonstrate scientifically-based ask: “Do bats use the underpass placed on confidence in the mitigation. This confidence the flightline severed by the new road?”But must generally come from the evidence recent reviews (Altringham 2008; O’Connor prepared by the consultants in the case. It et al. 2012) revealed that this is precisely what is often all too easy to drive a bus through most studies have asked, over many years. So the holes in this evidence because work has bats use an underpass – does this make it not been conceived or carried out on even an effective conservation tool? Not if most the most basic scientific principles. The weak refuse to cross the road or risk death on the evidence that results from poorly designed road itself. and executed work is often the source of Devising the right questions can be the expensive disputes between developers most important part of the whole process, and conservationists. and the most difficult. First, questions must Harp trap over stream 29 Feature Article: Improving the Evidence in Evidence- Based Conservation (continued)

be relevant to the legal requirements of How Exactly Will We Collect but with diminishing returns. If you are not the case. For example: “Will the underpass Our Data? able to carry out enough work to describe help maintain the bats in Favourable the full picture, maybe species-accumulation Take the questions you have formulated so Conservation Status (FCS)?” It’s a better curves or their equivalent will demonstrate carefully and construct your data collection question, but it has practical problems – FCS this. If you need to quantify something, think protocols around them. Ask yourself the is all about maintaining population size, about how many replicates you will need question: will the data I collect be able to and it is very hard to count bats, never mind to arrive at a reliable estimate, taking into answer these questions? Good questions monitor change. Are there questions we account the biology of the species. Two or and good protocols go hand in hand but the can ask that are relevant but more easily three counts are very much better than one, best combinations must often be arrived at answered? Maintaining FCS means not but there may be diminishing returns beyond by iteration. A good theoretical question may creating a significant barrier through the this. How accurate must the estimate be for be hard to address in practical terms, so may middle of valuable habitat, which would the purpose? How accurate can it be? need modifying – does it still answer reduce habitat quality and area, and hence the question? Timing and timescale are frequently carrying capacity. It also means not killing contentious issues too. Clients can Methodology and protocols must be bats on the new road. Better questions be reluctant to pay for adequate pre- written up in sufficient detail for the therefore include: “Has the building of the development survey or sufficiently long-term informed reader to be able to repeat the new road led to change in activity along the post-development monitoring. And they study. Statements such as “The monitoring severed flightline?”; “What proportion of often want the work done at a biologically was carried out by an experienced ecologist the bats that still use this flightline use the inappropriate time of the year. Consultants using appropriate equipment.” contain no underpass and what proportion cross the must make strong and logical arguments useful information. If we are told what has road?”; and “What proportion of the bats in support of the survey and monitoring been done, where, when, how many times, crossing the road do so at heights that place schemes they devise. SNCOs and planners with what equipment, taking into account them in the path of traffic?” With care (and must support them, otherwise consultants what confounding variables, etc., we do only modest resources) questions like these have little leverage - which is why inadequate not need to place our faith in subjective can be answered with some precision (e.g. survey and monitoring, or no monitoring at and uninformative words like ‘experienced’ Berthinussen and Altringham 2012b). all, have been common features of many and ‘appropriate’. The take home message is: devise simple developments. I have heard concerns from all and explicit questions that you can actually Consistency in methodology, whether in parties in the process (consultants, planners, answer and that will give relevant and comparing sites or in monitoring change over SNCOs) about levels of rigour, knowledge unambiguous results. time, ought to be a given, yet mid-project and training. changes in equipment, method and protocol What Do We Really Know are common in reports. These changes And How Will We Present It? Already? almost invariably make the data impossible to Make full use of pictures and diagrams. We often start a project by reviewing the evaluate quantitatively or even qualitatively. You want busy people with many other existing literature to see what we can learn This may sometimes be a consequence of distractions to grasp your key messages from past studies. Past work that is important changes in contracted consultant, but reasons quickly and unambiguously. Good figures to your case should be read in the original, are not always evident. Without consistency make it as easy as possible for them to not second or third hand. Read it carefully, the value of time series or replicated data do this. Consign raw data to appendices: understand it, evaluate it, be critical but is diminished and data can even become unprocessed data rarely have a place in the objective and don’t let preconceived ideas meaningless. If you take over an ongoing main text. cloud your judgement. Much of what we project consider which methods are best in Figure 1 show results from a study by read has gone into print through a form of the circumstances. Even if the methods used Berthinussen and Altringham (2012b) on Chinese whispers and may not be faithful to previously are flawed, they may be a better the effectiveness of road crossing gantries the original. Guesswork is reported as careful option than changing the methodology. for bats. The important feature of Figure 1 deduction, conjecture as fact. How often is The question of how often and for how long is that it shows the data as medians with the final whisper checked against the original a project needs to be surveyed or monitored a statistical representation of the amount document, or the reliability of the original is a particularly thorny one. There’s usually of variation around the median. Means or checked? Are the conclusions supported by too little time and money to do as much as medians without some form of representation good data and logical interpretation? If not, you would like. This makes it all the more of the variation in the data are fairly treat them with caution and don’t quote important to make the most of what you meaningless, yet they appear in a very high them as if they were. In the worst cases you can do. This is no place for taxon-specific proportion of consultancy reports. Apparently should discard them. Know the difference guidelines - I’ll stick to some general large differences can be due entirely to between evidence and anecdote or received principles. Once is almost never enough, chance - which they are likely to be if the wisdom, and treat the latter two with unless all you have to do is establish the error bars are also large - and completely caution. Professional judgement should be presence of a species on a site - and you find erroneous conclusions can be drawn. There based on years of assessing evidence, not on it first time! If diversity is important, generally are technical issues around error bars since accumulating received wisdom. the more you look, the more you will find, the correct form to use is determined by 30 200 D Total

150 Below 5 m

100 Above 5 m ossings per survey

50 Bat cr Use (within 5 m) Use (within 2 m) 0

Figure 1. Left: a typical wire bat gantry. Above: Median number of bats crossing a road in the locality of a wire bat gantry, show- ing the total numbers crossing the road, the numbers crossing at safe (>5m) and unsafe (<5m) heights and the numbers ‘using’ the gantry. Use was defined as flying within 2m or 5m, for reasons discussed in Berthinussen and Altringham (2012b). Data are shown as boxplots, with medians and upper and lower quartiles. Photo by Anna Berthinussen.

Defining Success: Use v Effectiveness A critical aspect of much consultancy work is answering the question: “Does it work?” Was the artificial roost adopted by the mathematical distribution of your data. would be low near motorways relative to the the colony? Does the underpass prevent Statisticians may shake their heads and sigh, surrounding countryside. Because bat activity significant casualties on the road above? In but anything is better than nothing! is also influenced by time of night, habitat the bat world there appears be a need for and weather, isolating the effect of the road Some statistical comparison (before and more rigorous definitions of success than after, with and without, treatment A versus required a little thought. We minimised those commonly applied. A new roost built treatment B...) is likely to be informative, these effects by collecting data on dry, to replace one destroyed by development is but not always essential. The statistical still, warm nights, in a short time window, not a success unless it is used by as many bats significance of the differences in Figure 1 and on transects chosen to avoid extreme as used the roost it replaced. A bat bridge or are largely irrelevant: most of the bats don’t variation in habitat. These variables were an underpass on a severed flightline is not use the gantry and most are not safe from nevertheIess included in the statistical model necessarily a success just because it is used collision with traffic – the mitigation is not used to test for the effect of the motorway. by bats. Ten bats recorded in an underpass effective. Figure 2 tells the same story as Result: a marked and highly significant do not constitute successful mitigation if 50 Figure 1 in a different way, and perhaps has effect – motorways depress activity and are flying through dense traffic on the road more immediate impact. diversity. This effect is far from clear in the above and 100 have abandoned the flightline Sometimes statistics are essential. raw data because of the influence of other altogether. Far too many reports equate use Berthinussen and Altringham (2012a) tested variables. Sometimes it is impossible to draw of a mitigation structure with effectiveness. the hypothesis that bat activity and diversity conclusions without statistics. This is a serious error. 31 Feature Article: Improving the Evidence in Evidence- Based Conservation (continued)

15 15 ) 10 10 2 Height (m) 5 5 Density (bars per m

0 0 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20

Distance (m)

Figure 2. Density of bats (bats/m2 over the duration of the study) crossing a road on a commuting route severed by a road, in rela- References tion to the position of a gantry that has been Altringham, J.D. (2008). Bat ecology and in position for nine years. Bats crossing below mitigation: Report to the Public Inquiry on the the horizontal dotted line are at risk of colli- A350 Westbury Bypass. White Horse Alliance, sion with traffic. Neston, Wiltshire. Available by email from the author.

Berthinussen, A. and Altringham, J.D. (2012a). The effects of a major road on bat activity and diversity. Journal of Applied Ecology 42: 82-89. How widespread are these problems in other areas of conservation? How often Berthinussen, A. and Altringham, J.D. (2012b). Do bat gantries and underpasses help bats cross are there good answers to the following roads safely? PLoS ONE 7(6): e38775. questions: Has diversity increased under the European Court of Justice (2004). Official Journal new management regime? Did the species of the European Union. “The Waddenzee Case” re-establish fully? Did translocation save the population? Does the rope bridge/culvert/ [http://eur-lex.europa.eu/LexUriServ/site/en/ oj/2004/c_262/c_26220041023en00020002.pdf] underpass allow dormice/red squirrels/ badgers/otters/etc. safe and unimpeded Hill, D. and Arnold, R. (2012). Building the evidence base for ecological impact assessment access to habitat on both sides of the road? and mitigation. Journal of Applied Ecology 49: Time to look more closely at the evidence? 6-9. About the Author Acknowledgements O’Connor, G., Green, R. and Wilson, S. (2011). A Review of Bat Mitigation in Relation to John Altringham is Professor of Animal Ecology Thanks to Sarah Ross of Penny Anderson Highway Severance. Highways Agency, and Conservation at the University of Leeds. John has wide-ranging interests in biology Associates who gave very useful feedback on London. and conservation. He has studied bats for 30 a draft of the article. years, published three major books on bats and numerous scientific papers, and makes regular contributions to non-academic journals and magazines. He is frequently asked to review planning documents for developments that may have an impact on bats. Contact John at: [email protected]

32 Feature Article: Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators?

Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators? Violaine Drapeaua,b, Alan Feest MIEEMb,c and Kate Hayward MIEEMb aSchool of Biological Sciences, University of Bristol bEcosulis Ltd cInstitute of Advanced Studies, University of Bristol

Sphagnum moss, Cairngorms, Scotland

Summary On behalf of Natural England, Ecosulis the sites/habitats and identification of specific “variability among living organisms from applied a unique method for measuring conservation objectives and management all sources including, inter alia, terrestrial, biodiversity quality allowing a totally prescriptions. This assessment method is marine and other aquatic ecosystems and repeatable and comparable survey to be a valuable conservation management and the ecological complexes of which they are undertaken across 12 Sites of Special biodiversity measurement tool, which can be part; this includes diversity within species, Scientific Interest (SSSIs). By applying this applied to many sites and to most taxonomic between species and of ecosystems”. As method to creating baseline indices for target groups. specified by the 2005 Millennium Ecosystem lichens and bryophytes, an important step Assessment report2, humanity is highly is reached because these species are valid Introduction dependent on wild nature, hence the indicators of air quality which can then be necessity to know how biodiversity is affected followed over time. Future monitoring of Biodiversity Check-Up by human activity3. It remains technically these sites using this biodiversity assessment In 1992, the Convention on Biological difficult to assess biodiversity within species method will allow greater comparison across Diversity1 defined biodiversity as the and between ecosystems and species richness 33 Feature Article: Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators? (continued)

Stone bridge, Wales Abandoned stone wall, Peak District, England recording is commonly used to assess quality that research on biodiversity loss should use What is a Site? of sites (as a proxy for biodiversity). The fast, reliable, simple and cheap sampling According to the National Range and 2005 Millennium Ecosystem Assessment methods. Since 1999, Alan Feest has Pasture Handbook11, an ecological site is a also reported a change in biodiversity, due developed a straightforward sampling distinctive kind of land with specific physical to human activities, more rapid in the past methodology providing simple calculations characteristics that differs from other kinds 50 years than any time before. Aiming of biodiversity indices which relate to some of land in its ability to produce a distinctive for a significant reduction in the rate of of the headline indicators developed by kind and amount of vegetation. It is the biodiversity loss, the report also insisted SEBI 2010 (Streamlined European 2010 product of all the environmental factors on the necessity to improve measurement Biodiversity Indicators) to monitor biodiversity responsible for its development, and it has a of biodiversity and a better prediction of across Europe with a target of halting its loss set of key characteristics (soils, hydrology, and 6 its change. Furthermore in 2010, Butchart by 2010 . The method has been validated vegetation) that are included in the ecological 4 et al. showed no significant decrease in to assess the biodiversity quality of sites site description. The development of the biodiversity loss and an increase in the in several groups of organisms such as: vegetation, the soil, and the hydrology are all pressure on biodiversity instead, which macrofungi7, butterflies8, spiders9 and carabid interrelated. The SSSIs of Natural England are contrasts with the target determined by beetles10. In 2010, Ecosulis (Newton St Loe) of very variable sizes and some cover multiple the CBD. Therefore, in order to compare was contracted by Natural England to assess types of habitats. For this reason, in order to biodiversity progress over time and between biodiversity on 12 SSSIs in the North West remain faithful to the definition of ecological locations, standardising the methods and and East Midlands regions of England. The site, the homogeneity of the surveyed area achieving measurement of biodiversity method was used to assess the sites’ quality needs sometimes to be restored by breaking becomes a key element. Such a standardised based on biodiversity indices of lichens and down the SSSI into various habitats to survey method would allow comparison over time bryophytes populations, aiming together separately. From a consultancy point of view, and between sites without methodological with Natural England for actions towards a it is also opportune to evaluate biodiversity bias. In 1991, Coddington et al.5 stressed healthier natural environment. in a piece of land that might need different 34 management policy because of different better assessment of biodiversity6, the IUCN were described in detail with pictures to habitat and therefore a simple definition of (International Union for Conservation of illustrate. A list of species was compiled a site might be “an area subject to a uniform Nature) is funding the European Species for each survey in a recording sheet where management”. This definition seems to have Assessment to evaluate the regional columns are the 20 sub-sampling spots and a considerable practical utility. extinction risk of, amongst others, lichens and new species is added in a new line when it is bryophytes, showing the importance of the recorded. In some cases, carefully taken into Lichens and Bryophytes: biodiversity assessment of these taxa. account when conclusions are drawn, the Bryophytes are the liverworts, mosses and sub-sampling spots are fewer. Indeed, in two hornworts classes of plants. They do not The Sampling Method surveys of the following study, the sampling have a true vascular tissue system and are The assessment method was based on was stopped earlier because the number of therefore called non-vascular plants. Lichens the Pollard and Yates method described in new species discovered in the sampling spots are composite organisms completed by the Monitoring for Ecology and Conservation13, was not increasing anymore. An advantage of symbiotic relationship between a fungus adapted originally by Alan Feest for this simple method is that it can be adapted and a photosynthetic partner. In the British macrofungi and latterly for a range of to the species groups surveyed: count of bird Isles, there are about 1,900 species of lichens organism groups. After a desktop study songs, count of butterflies, presence/absence, and 1,100 species of bryophytes – a lot evaluating habitat and potential bryophytes pitfall trap collection for invertebrates, total more numerous in species than the total and lichen species to sample, surveys were count of fruit bodies (per m2) for fungi, etc. of 1,400 flowering plants. Britain has 40% carried out in six SSSIs in the North West The species monitored were identified on site of the European lichen flora, 60% of the and six in the East Midlands during October (to species level when possible) or a fragment European bryophyte flora, but only 15% of and November 2010. One to four different was collected for further reliable identification the flowering plant flora. The main habitats individual surveys were conducted to assess if necessary. In our case, the presence or where bryophytes and lichens are found are different habitat types constituting the absence of the bryophytes and lichens was woodlands, heaths, montane habitats, flushes, totality of the sites in the East Midlands. indicated. After sampling, the data of each bogs, rock habitats, dune habitats, rivers For other taxa, the period when the surveys site was compiled with the FUNGIB computer and ravines, upland lake margins, metal-rich are performed would be important because programme to obtain a set of biodiversity habitats and man-made structures. Due to species presence/detection is often season quality indices. their anatomical and physiological properties, dependant. The transect route for each bryophytes and lichens are well suited for the survey was determined to cover the habitats The Indices Extracted: 12 bio-indication of air quality . For example, of interest for bryophytes and lichens (non- - Species richness: The number of species in bryophytes have a surface unprotected from vascular plants present) so there was more a sampling area of 1,000m2. rain, dew and fog, no mechanism to neutralise than one survey per site if it covered various - Chao (with SD): The estimated expected harmful substances, a metabolism activity habitat types. Along a transect route, the number of species within the site derived peak matching pollutant loads peak (autumn, sampling was completed for 10 minutes at from the occurrence (presence/absence of winter) and short reproductive cycles allowing 20 spots of 4m radius (4m radius = c.50m2). species in the whole sample (Chao 2 index)). fast response to environmental changes. The total area sampled in each survey was This estimation is based on the unequal Furthermore, bryophytes have a large therefore a constant (1,000m2) which is an probability sampling theory because different distribution area, are potentially omnipresent important characteristic of this investigation. species have a different probability of being and can be studied all year round, which Each sub-sample spot was defined by GPS discovered in a sample. is convenient. As part of the solution for co-ordinates and the habitats of the sites - Simpson Index: Also called the biodiversity index, it measures the evenness between the different species. It can also indicate if there is dominance by a single species. This is preferred to the usual Shannon-Wiener as it is more resistant to the influence of species richness14. - Species density: The density of species found within a sampling spot area of 1,000m2. It corresponds to the total number of occurrences of all species in the site (species density as opposed to population density). - Species Conservation Value Index (with SD): The mean SCVIs of each species recorded. The SCVIs are assigned to species according to their commonness/rarity locally/ Capillary thread moss Bryum capillare regionally/nationally: 2 for abundant, 3 35 Feature Article: Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators? (continued)

for common, 4 for frequent, 5 for local/ 100 occasional, 10 for rare, 20 for really rare, and 100 for really, really rare (e.g. Red Data Book 90 species). Regional SCVI values were used and 80 Figure 1. Percentage of for bryophyte assessment, national values 70 species of the site which are actually monitored were expressed as well, with the values 50 if 60 for each of the surveys. nationally scarce and 100 if nationally rare. 50 In red, blue and green are the surveys monitoring - Rare species: The number of species 40 less than 70%, between 70 recorded with a SCVI of 10 or above. 30 and 90% and more than - Ellenberg Nitrogen Index: The nitrophilic/ 20 90% species, respectively. nitrophobic tendency of the species, 1 10

indicating highly nitrophobic (nutrient poor % of species on site which are detected 0 sites) species and 9, highly nitrophilic (nutrient Surveys rich sites) ones. The values were extracted from Siebel (1993). sites, it would appear that the limitation 72 species (90% of expected species number) to 1,000m2 of sampling records most of when the Eden Gorge woodland has only 16 What the Indices Tell Us… the species present (>80%). This is a good species. The species density also shows large …About the Methodology illustration of how much the richness can variation between the sites, with a maximum The Chao index (see Table 1) is a valuable be skewed in some cases and why using the of bryophytes species occurrences of 347 in indication of the expected number of species Chao index is a meaningful alternative. the woodland of Monks Dale and a minimum to be found in a complete sample of the of 27 in Eden Gorge. The species density of …About the Differences Between Sites site. Knowing the actual number of species lichens varies from a minimum of 48 species found (see Table 1, richness) and the Chao All of the indices obtained with this method occurrences in the upland of Hellvellyn estimate, it is possible to have an idea of the (Table 1 for bryophytes, Table 2 for lichens) and Fairfield to a maximum of 293 species percentage of species of the site detected allow comparisons between sites. The occurrences in the calcareous grassland of during the survey. In Figure 1, this percentage mean richness of the sites is 48 species for Cressbrook Dale. is depicted: 4 out of 34 sites had less than bryophytes and 41 for lichens, but great The Simpson indices variations give an idea 70% of their expected number of species variation can be noticed. For instance, the of how even (or dominated) the species monitored (minimum of 50%). Most of the ash wood of Cressbrook Dale has only 13 population of the sites are. In that case, the sites (22) had between 70% and 90% of species of lichens (100% of expected species site with the least even species populations their species detected. And for eight sites, number) whereas the calcareous grassland of lichen is the ash wood of Cressbrook Dale more than 90% of the expected number of of Cressbrook Dale has 68 species. For (7.9) and the site with the most even lichen species was monitored. Therefore for most bryophytes, the woodland of Monks Dale has species population is the calcareous grassland

Table 1. Indices calculated for the bryophyte population for each sites surveyed. Area Sites Habitats Species Chao Simpson Density Mean SCVI Rare Ellenberg richness Index species N Score Helvellyn and upland 41 63.5 +/- 10.9 28.9 90 3.85 +/- 1.39 1 2.94 Fairfield Lyne Woods woodland 31 47.7 +/- 11 20.6 104 3.9 +/- 3.29 2 3.99 Moorhouse and rills, ledges, flushes, 32 44.3 +/- 7.0 19.8 74 4.31 +/- 2.96 1 2.54 England

North West North West Cross Fell scree Eden Gorge woodland 16 24.1 +/- 5.8 11.6 27 3.31 +/- 0.97 0 4.93 calcareous grassland 61 93 +/- 13.7 29.2 292 4.44 +/- 6.16 5 3.7 Cressbrook Dale sheltered rock faces 49 69 +/- 10.1 23.2 242 7.35 +/- 12.81 6 4.51 Eastern Peak Priddock Wood 51 96 +/- 21.4 25.1 342 4.45 +/- 6.75 4 3.39 District Moors calcareous grassland 69 99 +/- 12.7 30.5 311 5.39 +/- 8.34 7 3.6 Lathkill Dale vertical limestone 56 70 +/- 7.5 27.8 260 4.3 +/- 6.34 3 4.57 faces East Midlands woodland 72 90 +/- 7.9 34.3 347 4.15 +/- 5.66 4 4.84 vertical limestone 54 90 +/- 17.2 26.8 273 4.57 +/- 6.54 5 4.3 Monks Dale faces calcareous grassland 47 61 +/- 8.7 26.7 303 4.4 +/- 6.91 3 3.47

36 Table 2. Indices calculated for the lichen population for each sites surveyed. Area Sites Habitats Species Chao Simpson Species Mean SCVI Rare richness Index density species Black Snib bog 32 34.7 +/- 2.74 22.3 105 4.09 +/- 3.01 1 Eden Gorge woodland 44 54.7 +/- 5.8 28.4 109 3.7 +/- 1.03 0 Helbeck Wood woodland 37 43.7 +/- 4.5 26.5 105 3.73 +/- 0.98 0 Helvellyn and Fairfield upland 32 84.9 +/- 22.8 22.6 48 5.22 +/- 3.07 3 Lyne Woods woodland 36 56.2 +/- 12.7 24.6 127 3.56 +/- 1.19 0

North West England North West Moorhouse and Cross Fell rills, ledges, flushes, scree 32 44.3 +/- 7.0 19.8 74 4.31 +/- 2.96 1 ash Wood 13 13 +/- 0.3 7.9 80 3.15 +/- 1.1 0 Cressbrook Dale acid grassland 56 71 +/- 7.4 26.9 211 3.84 +/- 1.36 1 calcareous grassland 68 98 +/-12.7 33.7 293 4.24 +/- 1.36 2 bamford Edge 43 50 +/- 4.6 19.6 225 4 +/- 1.3 1

Eastern Peak District drystone wall 40 52 +/- 7.7 22.1 237 4.1 +/- 1.7 2 Moors Bamford Wood 24 44 +/- 14 12.6 144 4.2 +/- 2.4 2 Priddock Wood 39 59 +/- 11 20.6 168 4.3 +/- 2.2 4 calcareous grassland 59 68 +/- 5.3 30.8 286 4.5 +/- 1.8 4 limestone outcrops & 60 79 +/- 27.7 282 4.2 +/- 1.2 1 Lathkill Dale walls

East Midlands woodland 49 107 +/- 24.3 20.9 213 4.9 +/- 2.5 8 limestone rocks & walls 55 63 +/- 4.8 27.6 272 3.85 +/- 1 0 Monks Dale woodland 28 38 +/- 6.5 11.5 133 4.5 +/- 2.5 4 Hamps and Manifold woodland 30 58 +/- 15.1 12.7 150 4.3 +/- 2.5 4 Valley veteran oak A 41 57 +/- 8.8 19.9 172 4.1 +/- 1.4 1 Brampton Bryan Park veteran oak B 45 54 +/- 5.2 21.6 177 3.98 +/- 1 0 veteran other trees 33 36 +/- 2.4 15.9 123 4.48 +/- 1.67 2 of Cressbrook Dale (33.7). For the bryophyte species, the minimum evenness (i.e. Simpson index) is 11.6 for Eden Gorge and the Figure 2. Species density, species richness maximum evenness is 34.3 for the woodland and species rarity (number of rare of Monks Dale. species) for the grassland sites (green) and woodland sites (brown) for the Finally, the rarity and the mean SCVI are good bryophyte (A) and lichen populations (B). A Species density indices of the conservation interest of the 27 104 292 303 311 342 347 sites but interestingly, their highest numbers Richness specifying sites of greater conservation Grassland interest do not necessarily indicate the species 16 31 47 51 61 69 72 richest sites. For example, the site with the Woodland Rarity largest SCVI for bryophytes (7.35 - found with 0 2 3 4 4 5 7 six rare species) has a richness of 49 bryophyte species, which is close to the average of 48. B Also, the site with the largest richness in Species density bryophytes (72) does not have a particularly 80 105 109 123 127 133 144 150 168 172 177 211 213 286 293 large SCVI (4.15). These values raise the Richness question of what is important in biodiversity 13 24 28 30 33 36 37 39 41 44 45 49 56 59 68 assessment. Should protected habitats be those that host a large number of species, Rarity species existing evenly, or rare species? 0 0 0 0 0 1 1 2 2 2 4 4 4 4 8

37 Feature Article: Standardised Biodiversity Quality Assessment: Lichens and Bryophytes as Bioindicators? (continued)

eutrophication of sites even for organisms Acknowledgements Figure 3. Ellenberg Nitrogen scores of the that cannot have population estimates grassland sites (blue) and woodland sites We thank the excellent field ecologists who beyond presence/absence data. It allows (green) for the bryophyte population. performed the surveys (Ivan Pedley, Sharon the setting of a range of baselines that can Pilkington, Matt Rung and Justin Smith) for be compared between sites and over time. following the sampling methodology so Following changes in these baselines will 6 carefully and Natural England for the contract allow trends to be observed over time. The and permission to publish the results. 5 application of this methodology has also allowed the calculation of other indices (in 4 this case the Ellenberg nitrogen sensitivity 3 index) indicating eutrophication or its Notes amelioration over time. 1. Convention on Biological Diversity (http://www. 2 cbd.int/) The method is repeatable through time and 2. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). Ellenberg Nitrogen score 1 adaptable to various taxonomic groups, Ecosystems and human well-being; Opportunities which validates its importance as tool for the and challenges for business and industry. (http:// www.maweb.org/documents/document.353.aspx. 0 biodiversity evaluation in decades to come. Sites pdf) Indeed, the method is already established for 3. Millennium Ecosystem Assessment (2005). macrofungi, butterflies, spiders and carabid Ecosystems and human well-being; Biodiversity synthesis. (http://www.maweb.org/documents/ beetles, and these results show the validation …About the Differences Between document.354.aspx.pdf) Habitats of these indices with bryophytes and lichens. 4. Butchart et al. (2010). Global biodiversity: The setting of a standardised sampling Indicators of recent declines. Science 328:1164- The aggregate differences between sites can 1168. methodology has further advantages in that also show the differences between habitats. 5. Coddington, J.A., Griswold, C.E., Davila, D.S., it allows better estimation of the time that Figure 2 shows the increase of species Penaranda, E. and Larcher, S.F. (1991). Designing a survey will take whilst at the same time a and testing sampling protocols to estimate density, richness and rarity in the woodland comparison between samples is possible. The biodiversity in tropical ecosystems. In: Unity of and grassland habitats for both bryophytes evolutionary biology 2 vols: 44-60. completeness of a sample (Chao estimation) and lichens. It seems that grassland habitats 6. European Environment Agency (2007). Halting also allows estimation of either the uniformity have a higher richness and species density. the loss of biodiversity by 2010: proposal for a first of a site (a site of different habitats will set of indicators to monitor progress in Europe. This is at least verified for lichens (Figure 2, B). (http://www.eea.europa.eu/publications/technical_ have a Chao estimate that shows a low But once again, the rarity does not seem to report_2007_11) completeness of sample) or the completeness follow the same pattern. On the contrary, the 7. Feest, A., Aldred, T.D. and Jedamzik, K. (2010). of the sample (in, for example, a very Biodiversity quality: A paradigm for biodiversity. sites with the largest numbers of rare species extensive site). Ecological Indicators 10: 1077–1082. are woodland area in the case of lichens. This 8. Feest, A., van Swaay, C., Aldred, T.D. and is a typical example where policy protecting Additionally, the data presented here point out Jedamzik, K. (2011). The biodiversity quality of diverse habitats and the ones protecting rare the importance of grassland habitat in species butterfly sites: a metabase assessment.Ecological Indicators 11: 669-675. species could deviate. It is more difficult to diversity as opposed to the presence of rare species. These conclusions raise the question 9. Feest, A. and Cardoso, P. (2012). The comparison see any distinct pattern in the increase of the of site spider “biodiversity quality” in Portuguese three variables in the case of bryophyte, but of what should be the main concern in future protected areas. Ecological Indicators 14: 229–235. the number of transects was lower. targets towards halting diversity losses: species 10. Feest, A., Eyre, M.D. and Aldred, T.D. (2011). richness or rarity? Indeed, protecting one over Measuring carabid beetle biodiversity quality: an The Nitrogen scores compared between example of setting baseline biodiversity indices. the other has proven contradictory by our habitats also seem to reveals differences. Most Current Trends in Ecology 2: 11-23. results and we believe that prioritising richness of the sites with greatest Ellenberg indices 11. U.S. Department of Agriculture (December might be more relevant to aim towards a 2003). National Range and Pasture Handbook. are woodland habitats (see Figure 3). This healthier overall environment. (http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/wps/portal/nrcs/ observation would mean that woodlands are detailfull/national/landuse/rangepasture/?cid=stelp rdb1043084) more nutrient rich habitats for biodiversity. 12. Barkman, J.J. (1969). The influence of air This is consistent with previous studies About the Author Dr Violaine Drapeau is an intern in research and pollution on bryophytes and lichens. In: Air Pollution – Proceedings of the First European attributing higher nitrogen fertility of soils development at Ecosulis Ltd. She completed her Congress on the Influence of Air Pollution on Plants under tree canopies than in open grasslands15, PhD in ecology of bats at the University of Bristol and Animals. Wageningen, 1968. and justifies the reference to such an index in in 2012. 13. Goldsmith, F.B. (1991). Monitoring for Ecology biodiversity assessment of a site. Dr Alan Feest is a Senior Research Fellow in the and Conservation. Chapman and Hall, London. Institute of Advanced Studies at Bristol University 14. Magurran, A.E. (2004). Measuring Biological Conclusions and a Scientific Advisor to Ecosulis Ltd. Diversity. Blackwell Publishing, Oxford. As biodiversity loss is not decreasing, giving Contact Alan at: 15. Jackson et al. (1990). Influence of tree canopies [email protected] on grassland productivity and nitrogen dynamics in rapid and accurate assessment of its state deciduous oak savanna. Agriculture, becomes crucial. The method devised by Kate Hayward is an ecologist and director at Ecosystems and Environment 32: 89-105. Alan Feest is straightforward and evaluates Ecosulis Ltd. richness, diversity, conservation value and 38 Feature Article: Ecology Legal Update Court case on “deliberate killing” of birds and bats by wind turbines

Ecology Legal Update Court case on “deliberate killing” of birds and bats by wind turbines Penny Simpson Associate, DLA Piper UK LLP

A recent High Court case (Eaton their guidance Disturbance and protected vs Natural England and RWE species: understanding and applying the law in England and Wales (dated 2007 and still Npower Renewables Ltd, 23 available on Natural England’s website) they August 2012) has considered considered what ‘deliberate disturbance’ once again the word ‘deliberate’ meant. Natural England stated “where disturbance is still sufficiently significant to in the context of species cause an offence (e.g. because the breeding protection under the Habitats success of a significant group is significantly and Birds Directives. affected) then it is unlikely to be seen to be ‘deliberate’ where available guidance had In this case Mrs Eaton sought an injunction been followed and preventative measures from the Court to prevent wind farm operator put in place that had reduced the risk of RWE from continuing with its construction of significant disturbance to such an extent a 10 turbine wind farm in Essex. She brought that it was considered very unlikely” (my the action on the basis that the operation of emphasis). the turbines, in the knowledge that there was This is in my view a reasonable approach, low risk of wild birds and bats being killed based on the caselaw from the European through turbine collision, would lead to RWE Court on ‘deliberate’. The European committing the criminal offence of ‘deliberate Commission’s 2007 Guidance Document killing’ if a wild bird or bat was in fact killed on the strict protection of animal species by a turbine. of Community interest under the Habitats The judge was unhappy about a number of Directive considered this caselaw and it did not have a significant impact on the legal issues relating to the manner in which concluded that deliberate included “conscious species concerned. The judge drew from the the case had been brought but I will not acceptance of consequences”, “accepting the Commission’s Guidance of 2007 on this point go into that here. The judge nevertheless possibility of killing”, “consciously accepting and noted that the section of the Guidance considered the key issue above which I focus the foreseeable results of an action”, “where dealing with incidental killing gave the upon below. a person is sufficiently informed and aware examples of bat deaths in wind turbines or ‘Deliberate killing’ of wild birds or bats (the of the consequences his action will most roadkills as relevant. expression comes from the prohibitions in likely have.” In relation to birds, the judge felt that a Art. 5 of the Wild Birds Directive (for birds); The argument brought by Mrs Eaton however similar approach was indicated by the legal and from Art. 12(1) of the Habitats Directive challenged this approach. She argued that the defence currently in the law under s4(2) of (for bats)) clearly covers the situation where level of risk does not matter. Her argument the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 (WCA a person goes out with the sole purpose of was that even a very low level of risk of death 1981) where an act is “the incidental result of killing a wild bird or bat and does so. The will lead to an offence of deliberate killing a lawful operation that could not reasonably judge acknowledged this in the Eaton case. if that low risk is foreseen (e.g. through an have been avoided.” However, more difficult is the common Environmental Impact Assessment) and the I am not surprised that the judge resisted death then does actually transpire. commercial situation where the killing may Mrs Eaton’s case. However I find the analysis be an indirect consequence of some other The judge could not accept this. provided a little surprising. Certainly I am activity, such as operating wind turbines or In relation to bats, the judge focussed on surprised that the judge relied upon the perhaps a road where there is the risk of bird the provisions of Art. 12(4) of the Habitats WCA 1981 defence. Although still found or bat turbine/vehicle collision. Directive which talks about the need for within the WCA 1981, it is fairly clear that For some time Natural England has taken Member States to monitor “incidental capture this defence is not acceptable under the the view that ‘deliberate’ in this situation is and killing”. He felt that this indicated that European law. Indeed the Law Commission, in triggered by reference to the assessed level the Habitats Directive acknowledged that its report dated August 2012 (para. 6.73) on of risk of the prohibited act. For example, in ‘incidental killing’ was acceptable as long as wildlife law (see more below), has proposed 39 Feature Article: Ecology Legal Update Court case on “deliberate killing” of birds and bats by wind turbines

to remove this defence from the WCA 1981 would be killed because the risk was so for this very reason. I can also see the point low. This argument to my mind remains Training event made by the judge about incidental killing unexplored by this case. Penny will be leading an IEEM seminar on under Art. 12(4). However I note that the In any event, one can conclude that the Wildlife Law in Birmingham on 1st March judge did not grapple with one important courts are not sympathetic to arguments that 2013, for further details and to book a issue, which is that Art. 12(4) only refers to commercial operations should be prevented place visit www.ieem.net/events. incidental killing and capture. This means that when they give rise to low risks to Habitats Art. 12(4) throws no light on the meaning of and Birds Directives protected species. The deliberate in terms of ‘deliberate disturbance’ case therefore endorses the approach of most or ‘deliberate destruction or taking of eggs’ developers, consultants and Natural England which are also prohibitions in Art. 12(1) of the (i.e. that mitigation measures should be Habitats Directive. His analysis therefore leaves sought to reduce risk of death to the greatest a gap as to how to interpret ‘deliberate’ in extent possible). relation to those other offences. Such a gap is unsatisfactory. In my respectful view there is still an argument, akin to Natural England’s previous About the Author approach, that where there is a low risk of Penny Simpson is an environmental lawyer with DLA Piper UK LLP and a specialist in natural killing or injury, it is not ‘deliberate’ if the environment issues. She advises an array of killing or injury then happens. Mrs Eaton both public sector and private sector clients on argued that where the risk is low (e.g. one a wide range of issues including protected sites, death per year) then when a death took protected species, water issues, planning issues, prosecution, wildlife licensing and compliance place it was foreseeable and so ‘deliberate’. issues. However the opposite argument is that, in the Contact Penny at: context of a low risk, it is far from foreseeable [email protected] that a particular bat (i.e. the one that died)

40 Institute News

Institute News 2012 AGM We have a new President! At Also at the AGM the following were elected: the 2012 AGM held in Cardiff Vice President (Wales): on the 7th November, John Box Mike Willis MIEEM CEnv FIEEM took office as the Vice President (England): Stephanie Wray CEnv FIEEM John Box presents Penny Anderson with a gift 9th President of IEEM. Over Honorary Secretary: from the Institute as she steps down as IEEM the years, John has worked Max Wade CEnv FIEEM President for the Freshwater Biological Honorary Treasurer: Association, the University of Steve Pullan CEnv FIEEM Sydney, Telford Development Governing Board Members: Robin Buxton CEnv FIEEM Corporation, English Nature, Phil Colebourn MIEEM Wardell Armstrong consultants Paul Goriup CEnv FIEEM and most recently Atkins. He Richard Handley MIEEM Lisa Kerslake CEnv MIEEM has particular knowledge and Advisory Forum Members: IEEM’s new President and Vice Presidents (left experience of post-industrial Greg Carson CEnv MIEEM to right – Jenny Neff, Stephanie Wray, John ecology, urban ecology and Karen Colebourn MIEEM Box, Kathy Dale and Mike Willis) Local Nature Reserves, habitat Roger Crofts FIEEM the work of the Committees over the year Mick Hall CEnv MIEEM creation and restoration, and and priorities for the year ahead; from Sally Tim Hounsome MIEEM Hayns, Chief Executive Officer, on the work of habitat translocation. David Tyldesley FRTPI FIEEM FRSA the Secretariat, and from Richard Graves, the Sarah-Jane Chimbwandira CEnv MIEEM Retiring President Penny Anderson CEnv Treasurer, on the accounts and outturn for Sue Swales CEnv MIEEM FIEEM was warmly thanked for her hard work last year. All of the reports were very positive and commitment to the Institute during her At the Scottish AGM Kathy Dale CEnv FIEEM and reflected the material already published presidential term. John Box told those present was elected Vice President (Scotland) and at in the Annual Review 2011-12 which is that the integrity and innovation that has the Irish AGM Jenny Neff CEnv FIEEM was available on the website. characterised Penny’s professional life had elected Vice President (Ireland). The unadopted minutes of the AGM are been the hallmarks of her leadership and The AGM agenda included a report from the now available online in the members’ area achievements whilst President. retiring President, Penny Anderson, based on of the website.

New Fellows Grant Luscombe was, until recently, the of professionalism in ecological and Director of Landlife, a widely respected environmental management practice. In his Congratulations to three members who urban nature conservation charity based in previous capacity as a Director of a major have recently been admitted to fellowship Liverpool but whose reach has extended far environmental and engineering consultancy of the Institute. beyond the region. Since the mid-seventies he has managed the ecological component Gray Grant is recognised as having Grant has been instrumental in developing of some very large and high-profile an impressive track record in bringing Landlife’s work, undertaking a wide range development projects in the UK including ecological design into urban thinking in of urban environmental projects which place those for Network Rail and the Dubai Ports very practical ways at home and abroad. engagement with the local community at development in the Thames Estuary. Richard He is well known as a leading pioneer of the heart of the process. In 2000 his vision has a particular expertise in bat ecology vegetated architecture in the UK (green and ability to procure funding saw the and has contributed to both editions of the roofs and green walls) and is recognised establishment of the National Wildflower Bat Conservation Trust’s Survey Guidelines as being committed to sharing his urban Centre which provides an invaluable public as well as a Biodiversity Charter for the ecology expertise through his publications, education resource. construction industry through the Green his mentoring of other ecologists and his Richard Graves has over 20 years Building Council and the development of key cross-disciplinary teaching, including at the experience as a practising ecologist performance indicators for biodiversity for Bartlett School (for architects) in London. and is commended as a champion the Buildings Research Establishment.

41 Institute News

2012 Professional Development Higher Education Degree • be an opportunity to raise the profile of Programme Accreditation Scheme IEEM amongst academic institutions and The 2013 programme of workshops and academics, with the additional benefit We are planning to launch the new Higher training courses is now available online. of potentially increasing academic Education Degree Accreditation Scheme We have tried to respond to ideas and membership; early in 2013. The scheme will involve suggestions for new courses as well as desk-based and site-based assessments of • raise the profile of IEEM amongst delivering those that are popular each year courses meeting strict eligibility criteria and students and potential students, again and increasing the geographical spread. We delivering agreed learning outcomes. The with the additional benefit of potentially will be adding to the programme throughout Institute intends the scheme to: increasing student membership; and the year so if you have further suggestions • influence the content of relevant • enable a facilitation role, encouraging for suitable courses that you would like to see ecological and environmental degrees more employers to engage with included in the programme please do get in in order to ensure the core areas of academic courses and course leaders. touch with IEEM’s Training and Professional knowledge and skill identified as We are now urgently recruiting potential Development Officer, Helen Boulden, on required by employers in our sector are assessors for the scheme who will each 01962 868626 or at [email protected]. adequately covered; receive an honorarium for the assessments • provide support for course programme that they undertake. Please see page 62 leaders in maintaining delivery of these for further information. core areas, particularly in relation to practical skills;

Membership Grades Review Working Group Policy and Partnership Development Industry Group and, in Members of the Membership Grades Review Working October, facilitated a workshop for Working Group, which was chaired by Dr The last few months have been productive Group members on the barriers to, and Eirene Williams CEnv FIEEM, submitted in terms of consultation responses and opportunities for, biodiversity data sharing. their report to the Membership Admissions partnership activities. Consultation Sally also participated in a quarterly review Committee in September with a number of responses include those on the Natural of the performance of Natural England’s recommendations regarding changes to the Resources Body for Wales and the Land Use Directorate. Meanwhile Sally and Institute’s membership eligibility criteria and Law Commission’s Review of Wildlife Helen Boulden, Training and Professional assessment process. Council later considered Legislation in England and Wales. For Development Officer, continue to liaise these recommendations and have agreed the latter we organised a workshop in with the Environment Agency and Natural to adopt most of them. A full report and Birmingham, kindly hosted by Atkins, England with regard to training and explanation of the changes will appear in In and attended by the Law Commissioner development, education and competency Practice next year but, in summary, the main leading on the Review, Ms Frances work. Our challenge is to try and engage changes are: Patterson QC, and her colleagues together more successfully with the other statutory • Use of the new Competence Framework with IEEM members with an interest in the agencies in this area. (see page 50) as the basis for membership subject. This was a very useful event in not grade eligibility criteria and assessment. only helping to frame our response but In late summer we were approached This will affect both those joining the in enabling the Law Commission to hear by a representative of the Institute of Institute for the first time and those first-hand the views of members when Mechanical Engineering seeking to upgrading their membership status. challenging some of the proposals. develop stronger links with our sector. • Creation of a new grade for Supporters Sally Hayns, Chief Executive, has continued IEEM member David Stubbs has kindly (i.e. those who are interested in the subject to represent IEEM on Natural England’s agreed to take this forward. but not practising) as distinct from the Affiliate grade which will be reserved for practitioners without relevant qualifications who are working towards Associate membership. • Greater recognition of relevant voluntary work as part of the required professional experience.

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Welsh Section News

During the summer we have held two Anglesey and Llyn Fens LIFE+ combined with lessons learnt and the scope successful field events at either end of the Project – 13th September 2012 of ongoing work. Country which were well supported and The Anglesey Fens/Corsydd In contrast, after lunch the avoided the worst of the weather (despite our Môn SAC represents an group visited Cors Bodeilio mild Atlantic summers). outstanding concentration of NNR, another fen within rich fen systems, the largest the Anglesey Fens/Corsydd Gwent Wetlands – 28th June in Western Britain, and some Môn SAC, currently grazed 2012 of the best examples of these by Welsh mountain ponies, but likely to receive more The Gwent afternoon was blessed with habitats in Western Europe. radical attention in the near very fine weather and both RSPB and CCW These sites are currently future. Many thanks to the provided an informed view on the evolution undergoing restoration LIFE team for organising the of the site, monitoring of the extent to which through one of Europe’s visit, providing transport it has successfully compensated for losses largest LIFE projects. and feeding the hungry at Cardiff Bay, issues with habitat creation The IEEM site visit attracted participants! on post industrial land and managing the a select but highly motivated hydrology of saline and freshwater systems. group who were shown the Welsh Section AGM The importance of joint-working across work in progress at Cors the conservation sector for landscape-scale Erddreiniog NNR. Here an This is being planned for biodiversity enhancement was a key take area of 4.5ha of turf stripping and enriched February 2013, associated with a workshop/ home message. topsoil/peat removal has been undertaken, seminar. Further details will follow shortly. Anyone interested in joining the Section Attendees came from across south Wales revealing the underlying maerl sub-soil. Committee should please contact Mike Willis with several from mid Wales and as far as The machinery which was used to undertake (Convenor) ([email protected]) or Abbey Aberystwyth. For the bird people we were this work, together with the wetland Sanders (Secretary) ([email protected]). treated to excellent views of avocet and marsh harvester, adapted from a German piste harrier – and for the botanists we were able maintenance machine, was much admired. to get up close to marsh helleborines, bee A lively discussion took place regarding the Mike Willis MIEEM orchids and the much rarer true fox sedge. practical issues associated with the project Welsh Geographic Section Convenor West Midlands Section News

In the West Midlands, as part of IEEM’s Guidelines. There were lively discussions Birks on the Bechstein’s Bat Project at 21st anniversary celebrations, we held a about the pros and cons of the guidelines and Grafton Wood, Worcestershire, from Andy joint event with Birmingham City Council’s the higher burden of survey effort required, Jukes on invertebrates and their habitat Sustainability Forum in the Banqueting Suite particularly in respect of the area of static requirements, and also from Mike Oxford of the Council House in June. After a ‘market’ detector surveys. It was useful to explore the who delivered a philosophically reflective where different organisations promoted different approaches taken by consultants presentation on the draft British Standard themselves, our President, Penny Anderson, and to hear from local authority ecologists for Biodiversity Management. offered a toast to celebrate our success. This on their experiences and expectations. The was followed by the launch of Birmingham’s discussions also covered the issue of when a Please keep an eye out in the coming months draft Green Infrastructure Strategy for non-licensable methods statement approach for new events we are planning, we look consultation. Over 50 participants then might be appropriate, and when an EPS forward to seeing you there. explored what this might mean for different licence application was unavoidable. areas in Birmingham. Our AGM was held in September. It was In July the Section held a Bat Discussion overseen by the IEEM CEO, Sally Hayns. Our Veronica Lawrie CEnv MIEEM Workshop for 30 participants at Convenor, Paul Cobbing, kindly agreed to West Midlands Geographic Section Worcester Woods Country Park, which stand again and several new Committee Committee Member was oversubscribed and provided a good members were co-opted, to enable the opportunity for everyone to discuss their Section to continue and bring fresh energy www.ieem.net/geographic- experiences with the new Bat Survey to our work. We had lively talks from Johnny sections/13/07.-west-midlands 43 Institute Activities

Irish Section News

Engaging with others The Irish Section continues to establish links with other bodies including the Irish Planning Institute (IPI) and the National Biodiversity Data Centre. We are currently organising a joint event with the IPI in order to further our understanding of the planning system in Ireland, in particular, planning and ecology. Our first joint event in October 2012 will be on Planning and Appropriate Assessment or Habitats Directive Assessment. This aims to bring ecologists and planners together to provide a forum for discussion on changes to our Planning Act, especially with regard to the Habitats Directive.

Adelanthus decipiens (Photo by Joanne Denyer)

Autumn Bryophyte Outing to visited, particularly Atlantic oak woodland and Thanks to Rory Hodd and Jo Denyer for Killarney blanket bog. The group looked at the oceanic organising this event. A bryophyte outing to Killarney National Park bryophytes in Derrycunihy Wood (Atlantic Oak took place on Saturday 11th August 2012. Woodland) in Killarney National Park, such as Anne Murray MIEEM A variety of highly bryophyte-rich habitats Adelanthus decipiens, which is restricted to Irish Geographic Section Convenor within the Killarney National Park were western oceanic habitats.

North East Section News

The 11th AGM of the North East England movement from areas stripped of peat be focussing on NNR visitor access and facilities, Section was held on 10th October 2012 at slowed to avoid further erosion downslope? Marine Conservation Zones, the National the North of England Institute of Mining and Are peat pipes associated with burning and Biodiversity Network, ancient woodland Mechanical Engineers in central Newcastle. drainage using grips? How widespread were archaeology, and pond ecology. Members Prof. Penny Anderson, IEEM President, was the practices of installing clay pipes to drain with suggestions for additional meetings our guest and gave a thought-provoking peat and cultivation of ‘lazy beds’ on margins are asked to contact any member of the talk on the state of the UK’s peatlands. of blanket bog for potato production in the Committee. The Section is now represented Degradation of peatland is a major 1940s and 1950s? Is small-scale damage to as a group on the social network LinkedIn contribution to the UK’s greenhouse gas blanket bogs (evidenced as numerous bare (see the Section webpage at http://www. emissions, and reduces the quality of water, patched) becoming more widespread and, if ieem.net/geographic-sections/11/05.-north- biodiversity, grazing, game production, and so, what is the cause? Are spring droughts east-england for a direct link). LinkedIn has cultural aspects of our upland landscapes. and episodic rainfall, respectively, contributing the potential to be a useful forum for sharing The value of ecosystem services provided to loss of crowberry and increased gulleying information about members’ activities and with peat erosion? These questions led to by peatlands greatly exceeds the cost of informal training opportunities within the a productive Q&A session and members appropriate management and repair, yet vast region. If you have a LinkedIn account please are encouraged to contact Penny with areas are in a state of decline. In addition to join our group and share your views. reviewing the causes of peatland decline, their experiences (penny.anderson@ and approaches to restoration, Penny posed pennyanderson.com). The Committee plans a number of questions and invited members to follow up this discussion with a meeting Andrew Cherrill CEnv MIEEM to share their thoughts: How do you repair on peatland degradation/restoration in 2013. North East England Geographic Section large areas of bare peat? How can water Looking ahead, we are also planning events Convenor 44 Institute Activities

Scottish Section News

Visit to Blacklaw Wind Farm IEEM members were invited to ScottishPower Pips in the Park Renewables (SPR) Blacklaw wind farm in In celebration of European Bat Night the Scottish Section hosted a networking evening September to look at practicable habitat and bat walk in conjunction with Fife and Kinross Bat Group (FKBG) and the Daubenton’s management at an upland site. The aim of Roost investigation Project (DRIP) at Pittencrieff Park, Dunfermline. the event was to highlight to professionals, Despite a somewhat damp evening the event was well attended, with a total of 16 responsible for developing habitat participants comprising nine IEEM members and representatives from FKBG, DRIP and management schemes, the implications and the Friends of Pittencrieff Park. difficulties of delivering often elaborate plans Pittencrieff Park is known to host several pipistrelle bat roosts as well as being situated a that focus on the end product and not on the short distance from other known roosts and a hibernation site. practicalities to achieve such goals. Attendees were taken around the site by Peter Robson Following a short introductory talk by Richard Smith MIEEM, participants split into MIEEM who is responsible for habitat groups to conduct bat detector surveys at four locations throughout the park. These management at nine SPR onshore wind were conducted for one hour from sunset. Both soprano Pipistrellus pygmaeus and farms totalling 8,150ha. Blacklaw is located common pips Pipistrellus pipistrelles were detected at all four sampling locations almost predominantly on an old forestry plantation continuously throughout the hour. and felling commenced in 2005 with the first Post sampling we met for networking and coffee courtesy of the Friends of Pittencrief phase of the wind farm operation in 2006. Park. The event was much enjoyed by all and will hopefully mark the commencement The focus of the event was on the practical of an annual event to monitor the bats within the grounds of the park. implementation of habitat management plans and the restoration of mire. Peter is currently monitoring several approaches aimed at Photography Competition creating conditions suitable for blanket bog development, which include: management of To celebrate the 21st anniversary of IEEM, the Scottish Section Committee organised a water tables, removal of conifer self-seed re- photography competition to run in conjunction with the Scottish Section Annual Conference grown, modification of the site’s topography (23rd October 2012). The winning images were then displayed during the day. Entrants were (ridge and furrow remnant from plantation) asked to submit images of the and methods to deal with remaining root Natural World, or anything masses. Early indications are promising and, if invoking the spirit of IEEM. the right conditions are created, mire habitat We were delighted with the can be reinstated given enough time. It is number of entrants and had hoped that the attendees will take back with a tough time deciding the them the lessons learnt and implement them shortlist. The winning image, in the next habitat management plans. by Des Callaghan, is a striking image of a sporophyte of the epiphytic moss Orthotrichum stramineum taken in Rainhill, South Lancashire. Des says that he hopes it will encourage more people out into the field with a hand lens.

Sporophyte of the epiphytic moss Orthotrichum stramineum. The impressive transparent hairs on the calyptra are old paraphyses that once surrounded the archegonia in the original female inflorescence, subsequently elevated skywards Marcus Cross MIEEM on the calyptra following fertilisation and development Scottish Geographic Section Committee of the sporophyte. Member Photo by Des Callaghan

45 Institute Activities

The runner up image was submitted by Charlie Phillips and is a great shot of bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in the Moray Firth. The Committee would like to thank Wildcare and NHBS for donating prizes, Jessops Stirling for donating prints of the winning images, and all of the competition entrants.

Bad boys club – four sub-adult male bottlenose dolphins Tursiops truncatus in a social mood, just looking for trouble. Photo by Charlie Phillips

Managing Landscapes for Scottish Section AGM, Raptors Conference and Study Tour Sunday, 19th August 2012, Glenlude Estate, 23-24 October 2012 Scottish Borders Stunning autumn colours on the University Following the highly successful ‘Bugs in the of Stirling campus met this year’s Scottish Borders’ event held at Glenlude Estate in Section event at the Stirling Management August 2011, the Scottish Section Committee Centre. The conference theme of ‘Delivering organised a second collaborative event with Green Networks – from policy to reality’ the John Muir Trust (JMT), this time with was highly relevant to many people’s work, Lothian and Borders Raptor Study Group Mike and Tony educating us in the outdoor classroom for the morning and the Green Networks concept (i.e. (LBRSG). Sandy Maxwell and Karen Purvis of improving the connectivity, quality, siting JMT hosted us while Tony Lightley and Mike and multi-functionality of green and blue Thornton of the LBRSG shared their extensive infrastructure and active travel routes for ornithological expertise. the benefit of people and wildlife) is being The c.400 acres of Glenlude Estate is progressed across Scotland, the rest of comprised of open moorland with blanket the UK and Europe – although the ‘Green bog, a gorge, plantation and native woodland, Network’/‘Green Infrastructure’ terminology two small ponds and Glenlude and Paddock may vary. The conference explored delivery Burns. Baseline ecological information has and achievements on the ground in Scotland been gathered and JMT have drafted a land and further afield through presentations, management plan for the estate. Events such Discussing the pros and cons of predator workshops, site visits and informal discussions. control in a forest break in the afternoon as these are helping to gather information and Stirling is within the Central Scotland Green allow informed decisions to be made on the Network area – a huge 10,000km2 area best ways for JMT to establish a biodiverse and events at Glenlude and some of their other covering 19 local authorities. Agencies, healthy reserve. properties in the future. planners, developers and local people are In the morning there were a couple of hours Many thanks to all those who helped to make charged with producing a step-change in of informal discussion in which Tony and this event such a success, especially to Mike the area’s environment during the next Mike imparted their extensive knowledge and and Tony for sharing their enthusiasm and few decades for people and wildlife and to experience about the habits and ecological expertise! stimulate sustainable economic growth (see requirements of the different raptor groups. more at http://centralscotlandgreennetwork. For more information about JMT (www.jmt. During a walk over of the estate in the org/). As the first presenter, David Liddell org/) and LBRSG (www.scottishraptorgroups. afternoon participants looked at the different (Scottish Government Planner) reminded org/areas/lothian_and_borders.php) check out habitats on offer for raptors and ways in delegates that this ambitious project came the websites. which they could be improved. This allowed through Scotland’s second National Planning the participants to suggest ways in which JMT Elaine Anderson GradIEEM Framework (NPF), which is expected to carry could manage their estate to encourage more Scottish Geographic Section through into the forthcoming third NPF, and raptors into the area. Vice-Convener there are tangible achievements already visible. The event was well attended with excellent [email protected] But Green Networks are not just about the feedback from participants and JMT staff. Central Belt as David and the following We intend to work with JMT to run further speakers emphasised. All new strategic and 46 Institute Activities

local development plans across Scotland A well-attended evening reception followed refer to Green Networks – several having to celebrate IEEM’s 21st anniversary. Supplementary Guidance (see, for example President Penny Anderson gave an www.highland.gov.uk/yourenvironment/ enthusiastic overview of IEEM’s successes over planning/developmentplans/localplans/ the last couple of decades, whilst welcoming GreenNetworksDraftSupplementaryGuidance. the next 21 years to come. htm). Donald Balsillie (Stirling Council This was followed by Planner), Aftab Majeed MIEEM and Alistair Kathy Dale recounting Watson MIEEM (Aberdeen City Council) all her experience as part Finally, a wonderful 3-mile walk around the gave motivating overviews of how Green of a group of artists and Falkirk Helix site – a huge multi-million pound Network delivery has been tackled in their conservationist driving regeneration project to produce high quality respective areas – through opportunity cattle and horses along green space and access facilities on former mapping and prioritisation, interactive GIS one of Scotland’s derelict land (www.thehelix.co.uk/). toolkits and a project amongst deprived mountainous communities along the River Don. drove roads Good planning sets the context for which (see www.speygrian.org.uk/). green space, access and biodiversity The second day’s study tour visited several enhancements can be achieved - Craig sites, all demonstrating different and McLaren (Royal Town Planning Institute) cited complementary parts of the area’s Green the Falkirk Council’s Greenspace Initiative Network picture. which has recently received a Scottish Award First off were two brownfield sites noted for for Quality in Planning (www.scotland.gov.uk/ their excellent Open Mosaic Habitats – one a Topics/Built-Environment/planning/National- former coal spoil heap (Fallin Bing), the other Planning-Policy/awards) and Louise Bond an ex-industrial works dumping ground and MIEEM (Scottish Environment Protection water system (Forge Dam/Carron Works) Agency) showed how the statutory bringing – illustrating informal access opportunities together of people through River Basin and strategic value as stepping stones for Management Planning can bring about numerous notable and rare invertebrates genuine multi-functional benefits. (see www.buglife.org.uk/conservation/ Neil Langhorn (Forestry Commission Scotland) currentprojects/Habitats+Action/Brownfields/ presented several recent examples of how the for more info). Central Scotland Development Fund has given community groups, NGOs and others the resources to deliver numerous Green Network initiatives locally (from greening contaminated land through to community orchards), often Special thanks go to Suzanne Bairner using new solutions to old problems (www. (Buglife), Zoe Clelland (RSPB), Rosie Black forestry.gov.uk/forestry/infd-85bgtl). Similarly, (Scottish Wildlife Trust), Ben Harrison (Falkirk Philip Kearney MIEEM (Sustrans) showed that Helix project), and to David Anderson and Aidan Lonergan (both of RSPB). the need and demand for access and the health and well-being benefits generated, can Overall, this was a wide-ranging and also have biodiversity benefits through citizen This was followed stimulating conference noted for its science, volunteer recording, and practical by a talk and excellence of speakers, workshop facilitators conservation work along green corridors. walk around the and study tour presenters. Thanks go to Jupiter Wildlife all including the organisers and venue for Delegates had a choice of afternoon Centre in the making the conference a success. workshops – identifying and using heart of industrial Grangemouth (http:// See www.ieem.net/2012-scottish- Integrated Habitat Network GIS mapping scottishwildlifetrust.org.uk/reserve/jupiter- section-conference for the slides from the (Deborah Sandals, Scottish Natural urban-wildlife-centre/), with a presentation conference and www.ieem.net/geographic- Heritage); an overview of CIRIA’s recent on the Inner Forth Landscape Initiative – a sections/7/01.-scotland for more information Green Infrastructure Guidance (Kathy large-scale partnership initiative to restore on the Scottish Section. Dale CEnv FIEEM, EnviroCentre and newly and enhance mudflats, woodland and the elected IEEM Vice-President for Scotland); agricultural landscape over a large area and masterplanning through an engaging of the River Forth (see www.rspb.org.uk/ Phil Baarda CEnv MIEEM, Elaine Anderson interactive board game (Diarmaid Lawlor, news/319044-heritage-lottery-fund-backs- GradIEEM and Nicola Tyrrell MIEEM Architecture and Design Scotland). major-inner-forth-project). Scottish Geographic Section Committee

47 Institute Activities

Partnership News

The Network’s research into European Society for the Environment European Network of accreditation for environmental professionals Environmental Professionals Sally Hayns, IEEM’s CEO, and IEEM Fellow continues, but unfortunately at a slower pace Robin Buxton, both Board members of the ENEP held its latest General Assembly on 7th than anticipated. Society for the Environment, attended a September 2012 in Brussels. The meeting At the end of November, ENEP submitted Strategy Day for the Society in late September. approved a new Romanian member (bringing a bid to the LIFE+ funding body (http:// Led by SocEnv’s new CEO, Alex Galloway, the the total number of member associations ec.europa.eu/environment/life/funding/ day was a chance to map out priorities for the to 22 in 12 countries) and discussed several lifeplus.htm), which if successful will involve Society over the coming years. lively issues including communications, IEEM in some of the proposed work. membership expertise comparisons, a new This very interesting event was followed by Over the last three months ENEP has been targeted services proposal, and the future a meeting between Alex and Sally as part grateful to have the services of Tessa Waite, structure and functioning of the network. The of Alex’s initiative to meet with all of the who has helped immensely with the LIFE+ minutes from the meeting can be found at Constituent Bodies to hear their views on the application. Tessa joined ENEP as an intern www.efaep.org/documents/topic/132/. challenges and opportunities for the Society in Brussels through the Change Agents going forward. This was a very welcome On the evening prior to the General (www.changeagents.org.uk) programme for opportunity to reflect on the strategic priorities Assembly, the Biodiversity Working Group environmental graduates. and we are very grateful to all those Chartered (Chaired by Mike Barker CEnv MIEEM) Please remember that, as an IEEM member, Environmentalists amongst the membership organised an informal dinner with two you can receive information directly from who responded to the short and simple survey representatives from DG Environment. The ENEP by signing up to the ENEP Platform at on your experiences. evening was both interesting and informative. www.environmentalprofessionals.eu. The Working Group continues to liaise with The survey demonstrated that, whilst DG Environment, with recent work focussing www.environmentalprofessionals.org overall there is satisfaction regarding the on Green Infrastructure. CEnv accreditation there is a lot more that could be done to promote it as a standard of professional practice and make it more widely recognised. This would encourage more recognition and status for CEnvs and drive others towards achieving it. There is some concern about the range of bodies licensed to award CEnv and whether the same consistency of assessment standards is being applied across the SocEnv family. In terms of how the Society could move forward it was suggested that it should be doing more to promote interdisciplinary understanding and learning with regional networking events for CEnvs, joint training courses and policy briefings. These results were fed back to Alex who was very appreciative of the feedback and is always happy to talk directly to CEnvs with ideas and suggestions as to how the CEnv experience could be improved. The meeting was also an opportunity for IEEM to reiterate its commitment and support in helping to further develop the CEnv standard and the Society’s role as an umbrella organisation. ENEP President, Jan Karel Mak (centre), with ENEP’s Project Officer, www.socenv.org.uk Simon Pascoe (right), and intern Tessa Waite (left) 48 New and Prospective Members

Applicants and Admissions

If any existing Member has any good reason to object to someone being admitted to the Institute, especially if this relates to compliance with the Code of Professional Conduct, they must inform the Chief Executive Officer by telephone or letter before 18th January 2013. Any communications will be handled discreetly. The decision on admission is usually taken by the Membership Admissions Committee under delegated authority from the Governing Board but may be taken directly by the Board itself. IEEM is pleased to welcome applications for membership from the following:

APPLICANTS Associate Members Pickering, Mr Samuel G. Rees, Mr J. Leonardo Reyes Acosta, Miss Claire H. Sambridge, Miss Applications For Full Membership Mr Alexander Ash, Miss Katherine Baker, Mrs Rachel Barker, Mr Gacin Bennett, Mr Michael Emily S. Scragg, Ms Emer Sexton, Miss Amy Miss Katie Burrough, Miss Orla Daly, Mr James Blackmore, Mr Richard Bull, Mr Matthew Sharples, Ms Alice Shoebridge, Ms Kelly Stroh, Davies, Dr Gwennan Dean, Miss Vivienne Harding, Mr Robert Harrison, Dr Jenny Owen, Miss Eniko Szucs, Mr David E. Taylor, Mr Daniel Greenough, Mr Matt Johnson, Mr Julian Miss Justine Saelens, Mr Daniel Simmons, Dr J. Toogood, Miss Amy Walker, Miss Natalie Partridge, Dr Alexandra Pollard, Mr Julian Robert Woods Whitehead, Mr Paul Wilson Vulliamy Upgrades to Full Membership Recent Student to Graduate Upgraded Applications For For Associate Membership Members Ms Fiona Baker, Mr Stuart Blair, Mrs Katie Dr Jonathan Daisley, Miss Sarah Grundy, Mr Caldecott, Mr Benjamin Carpenter, Mr Richard Miss Louise Abbey, Ms Emma Bonham, Mr Espen Helland, Mr Sean McGrogan, Mr Daniel Craven, Miss Lynsey Blows, Mr John Condron, Stuart A. Brooker, Miss Lucy Elliott, Miss Cecily Thomas Miss Tanith Cook, Miss Mary Davies, Mr Harry Goodwin, Mr Ryan Harris, Miss Samantha Ireton, Applications to Upgrade to Associate Fox, Mr Andrew Gardner, Mr Thomas Haynes, Miss Amelia Kent, Miss Gemma C. Longman, Membership Mr Mark Iley, Miss Tamsin Ismail, Mr Jonathan Mr Benjamin McLean, Miss Julia Messenger, Mr Miss Charlotte Bellamy, Mr Jean-Michel Bellas, Jackson, Mr Niall Lusby, Miss Laura Moody, Mr William H. Mills, Mr Nitharshan Nallasivampillai, Mr Nigel Brooke-Smith, Mr David Byett, Miss Tom Moore, Mr Matt Oakley, Dr Heather Oaten, Mrs Clare J. Nisbet-Czuprynski, Miss Hannah E. Stephanie Cooling, Miss Lisa Durrant, Mr Martin Miss Laura Plenty, Miss Rachel Price, Miss Hazel Rowe, Miss Anita C. Sedgewick, Ms Georgina Green, Miss Kylie Jones, Miss Faye Midmore, Mr Robson, Mr James Segar Tayler, Mr Luke G. Verrall Gareth Parry, Miss Elizabeth Sturgess Upgrades to Associate Membership Recent Student Members ADMISSIONS Mr Thomas Ash, Mr Andrew Bodey, Mr Adam Miss Kathryn C. Adams, Miss Zoe Baty, Miss Earl, Miss Julia Ferguson, Miss Ceridwyn Camilla Beyts, Mr Timothy Body, Mr Jon R. Full Members Jennings, Mrs Laura Kershaw, Mr Jonathan Chambers, Miss Megan Coombs, Mr Nthan Mr Christopher Aylward, Mr Mark Berry, Mrs Moore, Miss Octavia Neeves, Miss Nicole Coughlan, Miss Lamara Craine, Mr Paul Carolyn Billingsley, Mr Anthony Bird, Miss Robinson, Miss Jenny Wallace, Miss Stacey Diamond, Miss Kathryn Dixon, Miss Emma Stephanie Boocock, Mr Daniel Brown, Dr Whiteley Graver, Miss Rebecca E. Harrington, Miss Rebecca Lorna Brown, Mr Charles Campbell, Mr Henry Harvey, Miss Lucy Jeffreys, Mr David Kent, Mr Recent Graduate Members Campbell-Ricketts, Miss Alexia Chapman, Miss Mehrdad Khoshchin Gilak, Ms Julia Kiss, Mr Amanda Craig, Mr Ciaran Cronin, Ms Isabelle de Miss Sara L. Amos, Mr Mark Atherton, Mr James John G. Knott, Miss Katherine Knox, Miss Sophie Geofroy, Dr Lindsey Defew, Mrs Helen Embleton, E. Bamford, Ms Kelly Barrett, Mr Richard R. Lancaster, Mr Ben Lansbury, Mr Jason T. Mackay, Mr Adam Fraser, Mr Paul Hope, Dr Matthew Bates, Miss Nia Bowen, Mr Michael D. Brown, Mr Philip Maund, Mr Andrew S. Mitchell, Mr Jones, Miss Ursula Jones, Ms Alice Kimpton, Dr Miss Jennifer M. Carr, Mr Guy Cole, Mr Thomas Ben Moore, Miss Gemma Nixon, Mr Thomas M. Mark Lambert, Mr Reginald Land, Ms Francesca Cole, Miss Andrea Cordon, Miss Natalie Crawley, Pearson, Mr Stephen J. Porch, Miss Gwendolyn Lemon, Mrs Mary Martin, Mr Daniel Maughan, Miss Kim Croasdale, Mr Benjamin J. Crossman, Raes, Miss Laura C. Ritchie, Miss Samantha Dr Alison McCarthy, Dr Mark McLellan, Dr Barry Mr Sean Davey, Mrs Chloe Eldong, Mr Dominic Rogers, Mr Jonathan P. Slessor, Mr Matthew Nicholls, Miss Nicola Orchard, Miss Claire Pooley, Fawcett, Mr Domhnall Finch, Miss Louise Floyd, Stones, Miss Kerry Taylor Mrs Joanna Saich, Dr Sajan Sebastian, Dr Lorna Miss Caroline Ford, Miss Kimberley Gallaher, Recent Affiliate Members Shaw, Mr Phil Shepherd, Mr Warren Slaney, Mr Miss Joanna Greetham, Mr Matthew A. Hanson, Mr David Evans, Mr Cameron L. Fleetwood, Ms Andrew Speer, Mr Tom Staton, Mr Ian Stone, Mr Miss Emma Heath-Clarke, Mr Jamie J.P. Hoy, Carol A. Flux, Mr Alex Gerard, Mr Chris Griffin, George Watola, Ms Tatiana White, Mr Timothy Miss Sarah Ive, Miss Rosie Jackson, Mr James Miss Verity Roberts, Miss Amanda Sewry, Mr Worsfold, Dr Matt Zeale A. Johnston, Mrs Sarah J. Kerr, Miss Victoria Leigh, Miss Nicola Lloyd, Mr John R. Minney, Mr David P. Spencer, Mr Edmund W. Williams, Mr Michael Morrissey, Miss Kimberley Pearce, Miss Howard Wood Kirsty Pearman, Mr Oliver Pescott, Miss Emma

49 Internal Articles

The Institute Now Has a Competency Framework Steve Pullan CEnv FIEEM Chair of the IEEM Competency Framework Steering Committee

So what is competence? Competence is Council approved a contract with Hyder used across all themes, (e.g. habitat/species made up of several elements: knowledge Consulting. Two members of Cresswell (a management) who has published in learned and understanding (qualifications, education, Hyder Consulting Ltd company), Will Trewhella journals, is sought out by those outside the experience of applying knowledge and MIEEM and Paola Reason MIEEM, were the Institute and industrial sector for their advice understanding), skills (actual activity main contacts and they gathered a significant at a national level on badger management undertaken) and context (environment, amount of evidence relating to competency versus, for instance, recruitment and selection time, location, skill, and knowledge and standards, both within the ecological sector of personnel or occupational health and understanding specific to function). This is and within the wider environmental industry. safety? Surely those outside IEEM would look best demonstrated with an example from my The Steering Committee met on a number of to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and own work. One of the key roles I undertake occasions, sometimes via teleconferencing, Development and the Institute of Occupational in my day-to-day work is to negotiate agri- to oversee the contract but also to make Health and Safety for such expertise in these environmental agreements. Negotiation is very the ultimate decisions on the definitions, two transferable skill areas rather than IEEM, much a transferable skill that a wide range themes and sub-themes that now make up but for a badger expert they would look to of employers look for. In contrast, my father the framework. The consultants undertook IEEM. By using the term ‘authoritative’ as our is a retired member of the Charted Institute a wide-ranging consultation to ensure that level 4 definition this can be said to reflect of Purchasing and Supply and he specialised our framework fits with several of the major more accurately those who do have such in negotiation of road maintenance contracts employers’ competency frameworks in use in expertise within the industry in all situations of behalf of local councils. We both have the sector, including government agencies, in that need to be covered. The framework the transferable skill of negotiation, but we order to ensure its validity. needs to, for all themes, allow for those who could not do each others task/function, as we A number of difficult issues came out during have an in-depth knowledge of the topic, are have different knowledge and understanding the development of the framework. The first routinely consulted by others on the topic, and the context of our negotiations are very was the overall categories and definitions solve highly complex problems independently different in terms of the knowledge and (Box 1). It was fairly easy to agree the number relating to the topic, and routinely provide understanding being applied (agriculture of levels and the lower level definitions for guidance for their employer. Therefore, systems, environment and ecology, scheme levels 1 and 2 which are, ‘Basic’ and then ‘authoritative’ is a clearer definition of level 4 rules vs road construction design, materials ‘Capable’, with level 3 ‘Accomplished’ taking which works equally well for all of the themes and quantities, contract law). One of the longer to accept by the Steering Committee. and sub-themes. failings of a competency assessment, and why Other definitions for level 3 which were Another area that challenged the Steering competence can have a bad name, is that considered were; professional, proficient and Committee and required a decision on the too many managers only look for and assess skilled, along with several more. However, the format of the framework related to some of the transferable skill, or the job specific skill, definition of level 4 came down to the chair’s the themes and sub-themes, along with the and forget the importance of knowledge and casting vote, ‘Authoritative’. The Steering order that they occurred (Box 2). One example understanding and its application and the Committee was very much split on two that demonstrates the issues involved relates context of how the experience was gained definitions, authoritative or expert, for to: Environmental management (theme), and applied. this level. Habitat/species management (sub-theme), At its June 2012 meeting, Council approved As the Chair for the Steering Committee my Species management. At one stage we had a the Institute’s first comprehensive Competency justification for accepting authoritative for separate sub-theme for species management Framework, but why does the Institute level 4 is simple, it has to work equally as a relating to protected species and one for need such a framework? Up until now the definition across the 14 themes and 46 sub- livestock management (Box 3). In the end it Institute has defined its required knowledge themes for both specific professional skills was decided that the competency descriptions and understanding in the document What and the transferable skills. If we used ‘expert’ for these two areas read the same [e.g. you need to know to be an ecologist and then there was a serious danger in my view Demonstrate an awareness of current research environmental manager along with Annex that we would have two definitions, one for relating to conservation policy and practice A (IEEM 1995). This was very much the professional skills and one for the transferable of species management (protected species starting point for trying to set standards skills. Do we really have expert members = Wildlife and Countryside Act, licensing and was always seen as the first step. To who are the same level of expertise if the procedures, nutrition for the species, animal develop the new Competency Framework, definition, of for example a badger expert, is welfare, species biology and behaviour vs 50 Livestock = movement licences, nutrition in relation to species management when of Agricultural Management, for which I am for species animal welfare, species biology writing management prescriptions as part on the Professional register). What this clearly and behaviour). Undertake practical species/ of an environmental stewardship agreement demonstrates is the importance of context livestock management (protected species = when it relates to protected species. In terms as part of the definition of competence capture techniques, handling equipment, of livestock however I am ‘Authoritative’ for and why this must not be ignored when accommodation, animal welfare vs livestock all objectives for this sub-theme based on assessing competence. = handling equipment, accommodation, evidence that; You may deliver training at an Council has approved this framework for three animal welfare, veterinary activities, milking, advanced level to others on this topic (teaching years before it is reviewed. This is part of the shearing)]. To demonstrate this issue I will and assessment both at university and several iterative process and the framework will now use a personal example. I am at best ‘Basic’ agricultural colleges over several years and be used in various ways to define standards in relation to two objectives relating to the qualified to teach post-16 relating to these within the profession, membership and Species management sub-theme (Box 3); subjects), You have an in-depth knowledge accreditation of courses, etc. Finally, I would Evaluate whether a species management of the topic, You are routinely consulted by like to thank all those involved from Paula and programme has been successful, Identify others on this topic, You can solve highly Will, Sally and the Secretariat, the government and what species management techniques complex problems independently relating to agencies, Lantra and the many others from the are available, what they involve and how this topic (I have worked with milking and beef industry who contributed. And finally to the effective they are. The evidence I can cows, pigs indoors and out along with limited members of the Steering Committee for the present is assessing planning applications in experience with turkeys and egg-layers which immense amount of work involved in putting relation to SSSIs with protected status and has been assessed by the Chartered Institute this together.

Box 1. Categories of Competence Category Definition Descriptor Level 1 Basic Has a basic knowledge with • You recognise the terminology and concepts, and broadly understand what this a simple understanding of topic is about. terminology and concepts. Has • You have a basic understanding of the importance of this topic. some experience of practical • You have some (limited) experience of practical application in this topic. application. Would be able to carry out standard activities, • You would not be expected to undertake tasks in relation to this topic unless under under supervision. suitable supervision. Level 2 Capable Has the knowledge and • You understand the terminology and concepts relating to this topic, and are aware experience essential to carry out of any drivers supporting this topic. standard activities unsupervised • You have good experience of putting this topic it into practice. confidently and consistently. • You can carry out this activity to a good standard when straightforward, following Would need to seek advice before advice and guidance if necessary. carrying out complex or non- standard activities. • You know where to source detailed guidance and information regarding this activity and use this confidently. • You can identify when things are generally being done as they should, and you know how to spot if things are not right. • You know your own limits with regards to this topic and who to defer to in the event of needing further advice. Level 3 Accomplished Has the knowledge and • You have detailed knowledge of this topic and can talk about it confidently. experience of this topic to • You have extensive experience of putting this topic into practice. carry out complex, specialist • You can deal effectively with difficult or complex issues relating to this topic, and or non-standard activities consider alternative solutions. confidently and consistently. Is aware of alternative options • You can make decisions confidently regarding this topic. and approaches. Can provide • You can provide guidance, instruction and advice relating to others on this topic guidance, instruction and advice and may provide ‘beginner’ level training on this topic. to others on this topic. Level 4 Authoritative Has sufficient knowledge and • You have an in-depth knowledge of the topic. experience of the topic to • You are routinely consulted by others on this topic. be widely recognised as an • You can solve highly complex problems independently relating to this topic. authority, both by others within the organisation and by external • You routinely provide authoritative guidance, instruction and advice to others. peers. • You may contribute to the development of industry policy, standards and guidelines relating to this topic. • You may be called upon as an expert witness on this topic. • You may deliver training at an advanced level to others on this topic.

51 Internal Articles

Box 2. Competency Themes and Sub-Themes (ecological/environmental themes are in blue, transferable skills are in orange) Theme Sub-theme What this includes Surveying Habitat/species survey design Setting objectives for surveys. Selecting techniques and designing methodologies to test objectives in line with best practice. Survey planning and fieldwork skills Fieldwork skills including planning, selection and use of equipment. Species identification and evaluation Species identification, application of knowledge of species ecology, and assessment of species status. Species handling Safe and legal species handling techniques. Habitat identification and evaluation Describing, classifying and evaluating habitats in accordance with best practice guidelines. Physical environment survey Identifying and evaluating the influence of the physical aspects of the environment that affect the range and complexity of the biodiversity. Environmental Habitat management Setting objectives for habitat management plans. management Developing and implementing (using appropriate techniques and machinery) schemes for habitat management. Monitoring the impact of habitat management. Habitat creation/enhancement Setting objectives for habitat creation/enhancement plans. Developing and implementing (using appropriate techniques and machinery) schemes for habitat creation/enhancement, including mitigation techniques. Monitoring the impact of habitat creation/enhancement. Species management Setting objectives for species management plans. Developing and implementing (using appropriate techniques and machinery) schemes for species management, including mitigation techniques. Monitoring the impact of species management. Sustainable environmental design Designing and/or implementing effective sustainable environmental management solutions for biodiversity benefit. Resolving complex or conflicting constraints to achieve positive outcomes for biodiversity. Environmental compliance Design and implementation of site-based projects involving interactions with other professional disciplines. Environmental risk management on sites. Biosecurity Consideration of biosecurity issues and risks as part of project design. Development and implementation of biosecurity protocols in accordance with best practice guidelines. Environmental Strategic Environmental Assessment Undertaking Strategic Environmental Assessment for policies, plans and programmes. assessment Environmental Impact Assessment Undertaking Environmental Impact Assessment for development projects. Preparing Environmental Statements. Ecological Impact Assessment Undertaking the ecological aspects of an Environmental Impact Assessment. Habitat Regulations Assessment. Undertaking Habitat Regulations Assessment or Appropriate Assessment, Appropriate Assessment/Natura Impact Production of a Natura Impact Statement (NIS). Assessment Regulatory aspects of environmental Specifying environmental assessment requirements for plans or projects. assessment Reviewing environmental assessment submissions on behalf of a competent authority or decision-making body. Environmental Formulation Development and review of legislation, policy and guidance relating to ecological and governance, environmental management legislation and Understanding and application Understanding and applying relevant legislation, policy and best practice. policy Compliance and enforcement Determining whether actions by third parties are compliant and understanding enforcement routes and penalties for non-compliance. Managing casework. Scientific method Design Setting appropriate scientific questions/hypotheses and designing methodologies to answer/ test these. Implementation Taking a methodology and implementing it appropriately, with a suitable programme and resources. Analysis Carrying out appropriate analysis of results and information that is fit for purpose (statistical or otherwise). Interpretation and reporting Interpreting outcomes and drawing valid conclusions. Presenting findings clearly and appropriately to a range of audiences. Formal facilitation, Formal facilitation, consultation, Engaging with stakeholders and statutory consultees. consultation, engagement and partnering Designing and implementing consultation projects. engagement and Partnership building. partnering Public awareness Formal ecological teaching and training Planning, delivering and evaluating teaching and/or training in ecological and/or environmental and education topics. Raising environmental awareness Designing and implementing activities to raise environmental awareness and understanding, using a range of media.

52 Professional Professional conduct Commitment to high standards of professional practice, recognition of ethical considerations conduct and obligations to the environment, to customers and to society. Business Managing quality Developing and delivering quality services and products. management Compliance with quality management systems (internal and/or external) and recognised standards. Quality management auditing. Environmental resource efficiency Developing and achieving environmental resource efficiency targets. Raising awareness of resource efficiency and impact monitoring. Business planning Strategic planning including use of strategic planning tools. Stakeholder engagement in business planning. Managing business Financial, change and risk management. Operational management. Customer care Commitment to, and practice of, high standards of customer care policy and practice. Project Managing projects Developing and implementing processes and systems to manage projects effectively. management Stakeholder management. Evaluating projects Project evaluation. Information Data and document management Establishing, promoting and using organisational processes to ensure effective data and management document management. Compliance with recognised internal and external data management protocols and legislation including data protection. Numeracy Using a range of numerical techniques. Modelling. Report writing Producing clear, concise, factual and accurate written communications. People Recruitment and selection Recruiting staff and/or volunteers following equal opportunities and organisational policies in management accordance with best practice guidelines. Developing people Managing the performance of staff and volunteers. Developing capabilities to enable others to achieve their full potential. Team working Working collaboratively and cooperatively. Managing teams. Leadership Motivating people to act towards achieving a common goal, through direction, inspiration and effective communication. Self management Task management Organising and prioritising work effectively to achieve desired goals. Being task-orientated. Delegating effectively. Achieving an appropriate work-life balance. Communicate effectively Communicating accurately and clearly. Sharing knowledge effectively. Presentation skills. Negotiating and influencing skills. Learning and development Recognising areas for personal development and seeking opportunities to develop knowledge, understanding and skills. Health and safety Occupational Health and Safety Compliance with personal, organisational and statutory health and safety legislation, and organisational policy and protocols. Risk management. Health and safety auditing.

Box 3. Species Management Identify what species management techniques are available, what they involve and how effective they are.

Demonstrate an awareness of current research relating to conservation policy and practice of species management.

Design best-practice guidelines for species management programmes.

Assess the need for a species/livestock management programme.

Set appropriate objectives/desired outcomes for species/livestock management, identifying About the Author which techniques (e.g. captive breeding, translocation, reintroduction, grazing levels) are most Steve Pullan works for Natural England as a appropriate to achieve these. Lead Advisor in the Northumberland Land Management Team. Undertake practical species/livestock management. Contact Steve at: Write and manage a species/livestock management programme. [email protected]

Evaluate whether a species management programme has been successful.

53 NEW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

The Institute’s 2013 Professional Development Programme includes the following highlighted new courses including masterclasses and seminars.

Ecological Clerk Environmental Water Environment: of Works Advisor for The Legal Framework 6 February 2013, Glasgow Construction Sites 8 February 2013, Sheffield & 14 March 2013, London This course gives participants an overview 7 February 2013, Glasgow of the role of the Ecological Clerk of Participants will gain a thorough Covering key aspects of European and Works, exploring how these functions understanding of what it means to be an national Water Law, the seminar will should be performed effectively. The Environmental Advisor for Construction provide professional knowledge of the course content will include understanding Sites and how to discharge this role Water White Paper and the implications the role of an ECoW on a construction effectively. The course will examine of the Water Framework Directive. site - including monitoring, auditing and environmental constraints faced during Topics will include Abstraction and incident reporting. The identification construction such as contaminated land, Impoundment; Pollution of Controlled of construction site constraints and light, water, noise and dust pollution Waters; Structures and Obstructions in survey methods will be discussed, along and explore general mitigation measures Watercourses; Permits and consents. with general mitigation measures to for pollution control and emergency The course is intended for professional protect, enhance and restore ecological response. Risk assessment and method ecologists working with the water receptors. There will also be a session on statements will be discussed as well as environment as well as land managers communication skills including on-site the use of impacts registers. and developers, operators and consultants behaviour, site induction, client and working on land-based activities. Trainer stakeholder liaison and record-keeping. Rob Tyrrell MSc Trainer Trainer Penny Simpson - Environmental Lawyer, Cost Rob Tyrrell MSc English & Welsh Qualified IEEM members: £150 Cost Non-IEEM members: £195 Cost IEEM members: £150 IEEM members: £195 Non-IEEM members: £195 Non-IEEM members: £225 Ecological Impact Assessment (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced)

15 January 2013 (Beginner), 16-17 January 2013 designed for different career stages and levels of experience of the EcIA process. Worked case study examples will be used (Intermediate), Crewe to guide participants through the EcIA process. The beginner 29 January 2013 (Beginner), 30-31 January 2013 course caters for those with little practical experience of EcIA, providing a grounding in key areas of undertaking. The (Intermediate), 5 March 2013 (Advanced), London intermediate course is designed to give participants with some 6 February 2013 (Beginner), 21-22 February 2013 experience a deeper understanding through more complex case studies, and the development of skills such as presenting (Intermediate), Bristol the outcomes of EcIA reports. The advanced level is aimed at more senior professionals and includes complex examples 27 February 2013 (Advanced) Birmingham as well as training to identify important ecological resources. 18 March 2013 (Beginner), 19-20 March 2013 Trainer Trainer Mike Dean BSc MSc CEnv MIEEM (Intermediate), 21 March 2013 (Advanced), Leeds Cost (1 day courses) IEEM Members: £195 These courses are for environmental professionals at all Non-members: £245 levels who want to develop their knowledge and skills in Cost (2 day courses) IEEM Members: £375 undertaking Ecological Impact Assessments (EcIA). They are Non-members: £425 For more information and to book visit www.ieem.net/events 54 Internal Articles

IEEM Survey of Working Practices Sally Hayns MIEEM Chief Executive Officer, IEEM

Thank you to those members who responded to our survey on Working Practices earlier this year. Council had requested that a survey be What is the nature of the business of your employer? undertaken because of concerns raised by reports of the working conditions that some members are required to work under. A survey was felt to be the best means of ascertaining a) whether there is an issue, and NGO b) if so, what should the Institute’s Statutory Agency Consultancy (small response be. -<10 employees) Consultancy Medium (between Over 750 of you responded to the survey, 10 and 40 employees) Consultancy Large (more which illustrated that it clearly touched an than 40 employees) Local authority area that is important to you. Just under Government Department 12% of Graduate members responded to Academic Institution Other the survey, 14.5% of Associate members took part, 22% of Full members and 50% of Fellows. Just under half of the respondents had been in their current post for more than 5 years. Over 80% were full-time workers. Almost three quarters were employees with the remaining 25% being self-employed. The spread of employers (including self-employed) Figure 1. Pie chart of employer sector breakdown (Q5) is shown in Figure 1. The most common category of contracted hours was 35-40 hours per week. The majority of part-time workers are contracted for more If you are involved in carrying out ecological surveys, what is the average weekly number of hours you work during a recognised ‘survey season’ for species/habitats you may be involved in? (NB: full time than 20 hours a week but less than 35. Over equivalent hours if part time worker) three quarters of respondents said that their 250 actual working hours vary at different times of year with the majority citing the pressures of the ecological survey season as being the 200 main cause, followed by events organisation, habitat/species management activities and policy consultation deadlines. About 15% of 150 employees get paid overtime. Self-employed respondents do not! Time Off in Lieu (TOIL) or some other system of compensation for extra 100 hours worked is available to just over 70% of employees. 50 For those involved in ecological survey work the average weekly hours worked rises significantly (see Figure 2). Over a third of 0 those affected work an average of more than 35-40 hours 40.1-50 hours 50.1-60 hours 60.1-70 hours 70+ hours Not applicable 50 hours a week during this period. This compares with 3% of the same group during Figure 2. Average weekly hours worked during the survey season (Q13) the non-survey season. Almost three quarters of those responding are required or expected to take regular rest breaks in accordance with European 55 Internal Articles

legislation – but that means just over a quarter What additional ways do you feel your employer currently demonstrates care and are not. Just less than two thirds get an concern for your welfare? allowance or are able to claim back the cost 600 of lunch whilst working away from home. For those working unsocial hours (at weekends or in the evenings) just under 60% have a food allowance (e.g. for dinner or breakfast), 400 although for 2% of this group it is less than £5 per meal. One third of respondents said that their travel time (to sites or meetings) is not recognised 200 by their employer in their ‘hours worked’ or only have a proportion of the time recognised. Seventy percent of respondents do have access to a company vehicle or paid-for public 0 Interest-free Other Access to taxis Designated rest Flexible transport when travelling for work, although loans to/from home area at work working late at night/early over half are also routinely expected to use their morning own vehicle. Just over 17% of respondents Figure 3. Employer provision for their employees’ welfare (Q36) drive, on average, over 1,000 miles per month for their work. For those members that do use their own cars almost all are reimbursed whilst, encouragingly, almost 20% felt that it Finally, let us not forget the many employers for their mileage with the majority getting the had improved. and self-employed ecologists amongst our HMRC-recommended 45p per mile. Twenty-six For those who do not feel that their welfare membership. The survey results indicate respondents get less than 20p per mile and is of sufficient concern, this is clearly an area that whilst some respondents are able to three get less than 10p per mile! of frustration. The most commonly cited manage their hours and the pressure that Three quarters of those using motorcycles suggestions for improving staff welfare were they put themselves under according to their and half of those using bicycles also get additional staff to share the workload, proper circumstances, many are working extremely reimbursed, generally in accordance with the rest provision, restrictions on the number of long hours in a very competitive market with a HMRC guidelines. It is disappointing that the very early starts/very late finishes per week, depressed income. And whilst they may make response for reimbursement of bicycle use greater professional recognition, outdoor every effort to treat their employees or sub- isn’t higher. clothing allowance and a system which contractors well, this will often not apply to Seventy percent of respondents regularly work doesn’t require the individual to pay too themselves and their own working conditions. unsocial hours but only 2.5% of those get much upfront before being able to claim it Next Steps any unsocial hours payment. The employers back. By far the most common plea was for of 90% of respondents have a lone working more staff/resources to help overloaded and The survey results will be considered by the policy but a third of respondents say that it is stressed employees. Institute’s Governing Board later this month which will take a view on what action, if any, not strictly enforced or adhered to. Two fifths So those are the results. But what is not IEEM should take. This could, for example, of those working unsocial hours are expected shown here are the much more detailed include providing guidance on good practice to work alone when required. Just over a comments from many respondents which in this area and some reference points as to third of those working beyond 10.00pm reveal a worrying depth of frustration at what a good employer should be aiming for are provided with access to sleeping or rest working practices including poor wages (which hopefully self-employed members can accommodation, although when it is provided (especially for casual workers), long hours also aim for). There are some other ideas and it is usually to an acceptable standard of – not just for fieldworkers who may suffer suggestions which we will be following up facilities and privacy. prolonged sleep disruption but also for so look out for updates in future issues of Over three quarters of the respondents do feel many others striving to meet unreasonable In Practice. that their welfare at work is a high or very high deadlines, the expectation of unpaid overtime, priority for their employer with many providing and a perception of having low status/being additional means of demonstrating care and undervalued as a professional. This is not just concern (see Figure 3). Other provisions listed about consultancies but in many other sectors by some include private healthcare, access to there are also increasing stresses and strains About the Author Jally Hayns has been CEO of IEEM since June counselling, child care allowances, company to perform against a backdrop of continual 2010. Prior to joining the Institute she was Head discounts, employee assistance schemes, work change and performance management. of People and Wildlife at the Hampshire and Isle scheduling to avoid fatigue and being open to A common theme from respondents was of Wight Wildlife Trust. feedback. A similar proportion feels that their satisfaction that the Institute is looking into Contact Sally at: employer’s attitude to their employees’ welfare the issue of working practices because it is of [email protected] has unchanged over the past three years such concern.

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Renewable Energy and Biodiversity Impacts IEEM Autumn Conference, 7-8 November 2012, Cardiff

In the UK today, 10% of our energy needs He introduced the benefits of environmental turbines pose to birds. Currently only limited are supplied by renewable sources. Across sensitivity mapping and effective mitigation data exists on species-specific migrating birds’ the spectrum of provision available – wind, and enhancement techniques, particularly in avoidance rates and associated mortality at tidal, biomass, food waste, nuclear – the relation to fish. offshore wind farms. John Allan explained renewable sector and all those involved need A potential barrier to the development of how a 4-year study using bird detection to find ways to reduce their impacts and the Marine Renewable Energy (MRE) industry radar has monitored behavioural responses make genuinely sustainable renewable energy is the concern over the environmental and flight changes of migrating pink-footed available. This was the joint message of key impact that MRE devices may have on geese in relation to two offshore wind farms note speakers Tony Juniper and Maf Smith. marine biodiversity. Martin Attrill reviewed during and after construction. Matthew Denny MIEEM has explored the potential Bernice Roberts MIEEM and Pete the evidence for the operational impacts turbine displacement effect on breeding Etheridge MIEEM raised questions of offshore wind turbines, wave energy farmland birds and initial results show about the pressures faced by ecologists converters and tidal turbines on marine minimal displacement effects. Richard Nairn and environmental managers working on organisms. CEnv FIEEM continued the theme with renewable energy developments, and how Ross Hodson from the Marine Management water birds and impacts on their foraging to face the high demands to deliver robust Organisation discussed the consents regime ecology as a direct result of proximity to wind technical analysis. for offshore renewables and the role and turbines. The foraging activity of two focal Stuart Clough outlined recent developments functions that this relatively new organisation species, bar-tailed godwit and oystercatcher, in surveying techniques for offshore has to play within the regulatory landscape. were compared at wind farms and at nearby renewable projects and in particular the use ‘The Greatest Threat to Biodiversity is Climate control sites. of remote sensing. He explained how the Change - So let’s build the Severn Barrage?’ Benedict Gove’s presentation covered advent of new technology based methods Styled along the lines of the BBC’s Question a selection of the wind farm research has improved the quality of data being used Time, this lively session was chaired by undertaken by RSPB over recent years, for impact assessment, and has led to the Steve Ormerod FIEEM and featured four which has developed our understanding development of advanced modelling methods leading experts with particular interest in of the effects of wind farm construction for investigating change over time. the Severn Barrage. The panellists included or operation on bird populations. Benedict This year the Bat Conservation Trust has Martin Harper (RSPB); Maggie Hill MIEEM identified a number of species that have been developed survey guidance for bat surveys (Countryside Council for Wales); Brian affected in very different ways, pre- and post- of wind farms. Matthew Hobbs MIEEM Morgan (Cardiff Metropolitan University) construction. explained how its use is aimed to help and Reza Ahmadian (Cardiff Metropolitan Tom Dargie CEnv MIEEM reviewed the prevent inconsistency, close data gaps, University). Each panellist took to the stage to evidence for wind farm impact on peatland. assist in micro-siting turbines, and informing give their perspective on the proposal before The context was related to the planning the assessment process and provision of delegates were able to question their stances process and drew on the consultancy appropriate mitigation. from the floor. experience. The role of habitat information in Kirsty Park discussed quantifying the A large onshore wind farm covers several the EIA process was also reviewed, together effects of Small Wind Turbines on birds and square kilometres of land, less than 2% of with Habitat Management Plans offered as bats, the results of which suggest that bats which is actually occupied by the turbines, mitigation and compensation for wind farm avoid operating SWTs but that this effect access tracks and other bits of infrastructure. development. diminishes within 20m. Data was presented Hugh Watson CEnv MIEEM considered the An update on The National Bats and Wind demonstrating that local planning processes benefits this could present in providing a shift Turbine Project, which seeks to understand can vary widely and that a strategic approach towards more sustainable land management whether bats are affected by wind turbines is needed at the national level to reduce the and some of the reasons why this has not yet in the UK, and develop methodologies for impacts on wildlife. happened. effective post-construction monitoring, was Mike Evans gave an overview of hydropower In the context of growing demand for presented by Fiona Mathews MIEEM from technologies and their associated ecological offshore wind energy production in recent Exeter University. The use of search dogs and issues, making reference to the Environment years, much effort has been made to acoustic monitoring at the nacelle was also Agency’s recent good practice guidelines. determine the collision risk that offshore wind discussed. 57 Internal Articles

Adrian Lea highlighted the stages, work EIA survey data generally follow the same The last talk of the conference, by Stewart and information necessary to increase the methodologies and potentially provide a Lowther CEnv MIEEM, considered a chances of submitting a successful planning valuable archive of ecological information. future vision for renewables. He stated that application. The presentation stressed the However, most of the information is scattered renewable energy developments must make importance of community engagement and there is a danger that the value of this a significant and strategic contribution to the and pre-application discussions and data will never be realised. Mick Green CEnv restoration and enhancement of biodiversity recognised the need to provide certainty and FIEEM presented the efforts underway in in the UK. He then elaborated on how to commitment, and how this translates into Wales to pull all this information together and get developers to ‘buy’ into this vision and delivery on the ground. its future value to developers and regulators. the role that ecologists and environmental David Lewns MIEEM described the role of managers have to play. The ‘average’ on-shore wind farm can the Ecological Clerk of Works (ECoW) during All of the presentations, speaker biographies, take up to 10 years from site identification construction of renewables projects. He and abstracts are available at http://www. through to operation. Ecological constraints outlined the need for good quality reliable ieem.net/previous-conferences-2012-autumn- and opportunities are one of the first to be surveys, the benefits of early involvement, an conference-318. considered in the development programme. understanding of the constraints offered by Owen Saward outlined the importance The conference was supported by: the ecological aspects of the site, as well as of early, meaningful dialogue between an understanding of the environmental, developers and statutory consultees and how engineering and physical constraints this can form the basis of a successful project. involved. Steve Evison looked at some of the The Scottish Borders is a preferred area challenges we face in a world where science for onshore renewable developments is perhaps no longer held as providing all the and these complex developments answers. For science to play a role, we need have presented the planning authority to address the challenges for consultation, with considerable challenges. Andy engagement and dialogue. Steve elaborated Tharme described how the Council has on our thinking around this and suggested addressed this with the development some potential ways for scientists and the and implementation of a biodiversity public to work together effectively. offsetting approach.

Thoughts from a Member of years. While our technology has increased cools. Sometimes it helps to remember that to exploit these resources so that we can still many of these technologies are not new and I was very pleased to be able to attend the scary, substitute wind turbines for windmills, IEEM annual conference on Renewable use them for a few decades more, we have hydropower for water wheels and biofuels Energy and Biodiversity Impacts in Cardiff come to suspect, believe or deny (depending for coppicing and you have essentially the recently. Some excellent speakers and a on where you live and who funds your lively debate on many of the issues all politicians) that the costs may be greater than same activities scaled up. I wonder if anybody topped off by the news that our petition the obvious huge holes in the ground, fouled restoring a windmill has been asked to for a Royal Charter has been accepted by birds, dead fish and incidence of respiratory investigate bird impacts or barotrauma yet? the Privy Council and signed by Her Majesty diseases that come to our attention from time Given that renewable energy has always been the Queen. So how does our, soon to be to time, in that the global environment may around, we will need more of it and here in Chartered, Institute and its members need change sufficiently to make large parts of the the British Isles we have plenty of unexploited to deal with renewable energy? Out of all of world uninhabitable for us. Nuclear power potential. So there will be many new projects the statements made at the conference, two offers us an alternative but clean, usable which require input from IEEM members. strike me as particularly pertinent: “that you fusion energy is still said to be 30 years away, Hence we need to consider biodiversity in can’t have energy, renewable or otherwise, bearing in mind that 30 years ago it was also two ways when advising: firstly, in the long- without environmental impact” and “that said to be 30 years away. Nuclear fission is term, sustainable energy is likely to be more ecologists and environmental managers need around and is in use now, but it has many beneficial to biodiversity than unsustainable to start thinking bigger”. problems, some of which technology could energy; and secondly, how can we minimise We live in a world with a growing population solve but in the end it is reliant on digging up the impact and maximise the benefit to and an increasing standard of living, or at a finite amount of material. So that leaves us biodiversity of these schemes based on data least some aspiration for a better life, and with the renewable option, energy from the and sound science without the collection and that requires a secure and constant supply sun and earth. Whatever the sustainability of assessment effort costing enough to make of energy. Our population currently relies, in the technology we have available, the sources the projects unviable? large part, on carbon sequestered in fossilised themselves are sustainable for as long as the Richard Graves CEnv FIEEM plants and animals accumulated over millions sun continues to shine and until the earth Richard Graves Associates

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IEEM-RES Conference 2012: Techniques and Approaches for Assessing the Importance of nvertebrates in Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) Nick Jackson AIEEM Marketing and Communication Systems Officer, IEEM

The second joint conference between IEEM 97% of its life cycle underground. Managing and processes, the ecological requirements and the Royal Entomological Society (www. the land for stag beetles along with of a planning application, and looked at local royensoc.co.uk) took place on 10th October configuration of log piles were explained. authorities’ understanding of invertebrates 2012 in Faversham, Kent. The meeting The next speaker, Jon Davies CEnv using a survey of ALGE (Association of Local attracted 70 delegates and was again hosted MIEEM from Cresswell Associates, Government Ecologists) members. by the Kent and Medway Biological Records gave a presentation from a consultant’s Following the conference there was an Centre. The meeting aimed to compare perspective and outlined some of the optional tour around Brogdale Farm (www. techniques for assessing invertebrate species pragmatic approaches used when assessing brogdalecollections.co.uk), home to the richness, protection of pollinator services, the invertebrates. He explained the different National Fruit Collection, which is the largest importance of wetland, aquatic and ground approaches through a desk study and scoping collection of fruit trees and horticultural dwelling invertebrate faunas, and how best phase of a project, through the habitat plants in the world. My particular highlight to present the information on invertebrates assessment and site appraisal, and then was the ‘knobby russet’ apple which is to planning authorities. putting the data into context when valuing somewhat of a rarity. Delegates were very pleased to welcome Jon the site and assessing the impacts. The presentations from this conference are Webb MIEEM, Senior Entomologist with Alex Ramsay MIEEM spoke about a now available on the IEEM website at www. Natural England, who gave an outline of the decision tree for informing EIA decisions on- ieem.net/2012-res-ieem-conference. development of ISIS (Invertebrate Species- site, which he had developed whilst working habitats Information System) which is a tool at Thomson Ecology. This decision tree was used for classifying invertebrate assemblages a step by step approach to ensure that the into habitats (like an NVC for invertebrates!). highest risk species of invertebrates are The system was developed to undertake considered in turn. This tool could potentially Common Standards Monitoring which is be used to inform decisions for EIA at all the agency’s method for determining the stages of the EIA process. condition of SSSIs. The next speaker, Stuart Connop from The next speaker was Graham Hopkins the Sustainability Research Institute at the CEnv MIEEM, from The Ecology Consultancy, University of East London (UEL), spoke about who explained ‘how the experts do it’ the importance of brownfield sites and using by presenting a review of Environmental appropriate landscaping methods to promote Statements from Ecological Impact invertebrate conservation. Stuart highlighted Assessments (EcIA) taking into consideration different alternatives to green roofs and the invertebrates. Sixty-one reports written by materials used to build them. He cited three 23 surveyors over the last 10 years were projects as examples – housing and green analysed and survey effort was considered for roof design at Barking Riverside, London each report. Preliminary analysis suggested Wildlife Trust’s community garden, and UEL’s 1. Knobby russet apple (background image) that only 40-50% of the assessments were ‘beetle bump’. 2. Delegates at the conference accurate in terms of enough survey effort to Nikki Gammans from the Bumblebee 3. Tour of the National Fruit Collection at Brogdale Farm (All photos by Nick Jackson) show rare/scarce invertebrate species; 20- Conservation Trust gave the next presentation 35% had insufficient invertebrate information and spoke about methods for surveying and in only 5-15% was there too much some of the rarer bumblebee species and About the Author survey effort for the species identified. how to create the perfect flower-rich habitats Nick Jackson has been the IEEM Marketing and Colin Hawes, from Royal Holloway College, beneficial to the species. Communication Systems Officer since June 2011. Prior to this he was the Institute’s Education and then spoke about planning application The final talk of the conference was from Professional Development Officer. mitigation for the iconic (and only partially Stefanie Buell MIEEM of Kent County Contact Nick at protected in the UK) stag beetle species. Council, who gave a local authority [email protected] He explained techniques used in mitigation perspective on planning for invertebrates. measures for the beetle, which spends up to Stefanie covered the relevant planning policy 59 NEW PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT COURSES

The Institute’s 2013 Professional Development Programme includes the following highlighted new courses including masterclasses and seminars.

Habitats Regulations legislation, practical application of the Trainers Clare O’Reilly MSc PGCE key stages, knowledge of case law and (FE&HE) MIEEM MIfL and Paul Losse MSc Assessment (HRA) examples of good practice, with sources MIEEM training of advice and guidance provided. The Cost Existing IEEM Training Providers: training will provide helpful tips and £100 IEEM Members: £195 Non- 14 January, 2013 ‘HRA of hints on ensuring compliance and due members: £245 Projects for Project Proposers & process and the pitfalls to avoid, plus Advisers’, London how to keep assessments fit for purpose. The courses are tailored separately for ROLO Health, Safety 21 January, 2013 ‘HRA of 1) those working in or acting for Local Projects for Local & other Authorities and Competent Authorities and Environmental Competent Authorities’, carrying out assessments; 2) professionals Awareness for Edinburgh involved in project proposals and those whose job it is to provide information to Ecologists 22 January, 2013 ‘HRA of Plans competent authorities; 3) professionals for Local Authorities & other 18 January 2013, Penarth working in or for plan making bodies plan-making bodies’, Edinburgh This one-day course has been designed Trainer David Tyldesley FRTPI FIEEM specifically with ecologists in mind and 28 January, 2013 ‘HRA of FRSA and Dr Caroline Chapman will draw on case studies and examples Projects for Project Proposers & Cost IEEM Members: £225 Non- from within the sector. The course Advisers’, Cardiff members: £275 promotes H&S in the land-based sector 4 February, 2013 ‘HRA of and aims to reduce the number of Projects for Project Proposers & Train the Trainers accidents caused by lack of awareness. Advisers’, Leeds It provides a recognised route for H&S 12-13 February 2013, training in the National Highways 14 February, 2013 ‘HRA of Birmingham Sector Scheme 18 (NHSS) and is also Projects for Local & other 14-15 March 2013, Leeds an accredited route to the Land-based Competent Authorities’, Industry Skills Scheme/Construction Skills • Have you led a training day and Birmingham Certification Scheme (LISS/CSCS). The wondered how to cope with the mix aims of the ROLO scheme are to: 15 February, 2013 ‘HRA of of abilities in your group? • Keep a record of those in the industry Plans for Local Authorities & • Want to know how to deliver effective who have achieved a recognised level other plan-making bodies’, learning sessions instead of lectures? of competence and to provide a means Birmingham • Need tips to make teaching species ID of identification on site. fun and interactive? 25 February, 2013 ‘HRA of • Raise the standards of health and safety These unique two-day courses are Projects for Project Proposers & to reduce the risks and accidents. Advisers’, Edinburgh specially designed for ecologists and environmental professionals and cover • Encourage employers to use only ROLO A suite of courses tailored to field as well as classroom tuition. They card holders who have accredited professionals with specific responsibilities are for anyone who wants to enhance health and safety training. relating to the HRA. The training provides their teaching and training skills. Included Trainer Jodie Read a thorough understanding of the overall are designing sessions to cater for Cost IEEM Members: £150.00 Non- purpose, process and methodology of differences in the way people learn, tips members: £175.00 the HRA of projects or plans (depending on maximising information retention, on the course) in England and Wales, and how to design learner-centred group or Scotland. Learning outcomes will activities. Participants will also develop a incorporate an appreciation of the source session for use on their own course. For more information and to book visit www.ieem.net/events 60 Internal Articles

A Royal Charter at last! Sally Hayns MIEEM Chief Executive Officer, IEEM

Following the decision taken by members Some Frequently Asked So how do I become chartered? at the Extraordinary General Meeting (EGM) Questions There will be two routes to Chartership. on 13th June 2012 to petition her Majesty What does becoming a Chartered One is the existing route of Chartered the Queen for a Royal Charter, the Petition Institute mean for IEEM and its members? Environmentalist (CEnv). IEEM currently holds itself was signed by our President, Penny a licence to award CEnv accreditation and this Anderson, at the House of Lords on 28th The Institute will become the Chartered licence would be transferred to the Chartered June. This followed extensive consultation Institute of Ecology and Environmental Institute. CEnv is an increasingly recognised with a wide range of interested parties, Management (CIEEM). There will be a transfer standard of good environmental practice and stakeholders, supporters and objectors of assets from the current company to the the competence requirements are appropriate and the submission of a Letter of Intent to new body. The Charter and ByLaws become for many of our members. The Institute (or the Privy Council. The Letter of Intent was the governing instruments of the Chartered Chartered Institute as it will become) remains circulated to a standing list of consultees and, Institute, replacing the current Memorandum fully committed to working with other as no objections were raised, the Institute and Articles of Association. Our members will members of the Society for the Environment was free to make its petition. become members of the Chartered Institute. to continue to promote recognition of The collective benefits are around enhancing The Petition, draft Charter, and ByLaws were Chartered Environmentalist status. submitted in early July 2012 and notice of the profile and perceived status of the Our new Charter will also give us the their submission was published the London profession. To quote the Privy Council power to establish a new Register – that of Gazette inviting any representations. A list of website “New grants of Royal Charters are Chartered Ecologists. CIEEM would have consultees was also contacted by the Privy these days reserved for eminent professional responsibility for maintaining this Register, Council seeking further comments. Some bodies or charities that have a solid record of establishing the competence requirements, minor changes were advised by the Privy achievement and are financially sound.” assessing and admitting registrants. Council’s legal advisers and approved by When will this happen? Registrants will have the authority to describe IEEM’s Council on 4th October 2012. We now have to wait until the Charter is themselves as a Chartered Ecologist and use The Petition was heard by the Privy Council printed and the Great Seal applied. This the additional post-nominals of CEcol. at their meeting of 7th November and the could take some time. We can then choose a Can I just transfer across from CEnv to Order of Grant was signed by Her Majesty date on which to enact the Charter – i.e. to CEcol? the Queen. So we will become a Chartered transfer from a limited liability company to a No. The Chartered Ecologist award recognises Institute in 2013. We are not chartered yet body incorporated by Royal Charter and, for a different assemblage of competencies to as the Charter does not come into effect until practical reasons, this is usually done to tie in that of Chartered Environmentalist (otherwise it has been drafted, signed and sealed with with a financial quarter. the Great Seal.This could take several months. there would be no need for the new Register) We will certainly let you know! so you cannot just transfer across. You A New Register Will I automatically become a chartered have been assessed as meeting the CEnv Included within the Charter is a request member? competency requirements but that does for the power to establish a new Register No. You will become a member of the not necessarily mean that you will meet the of Chartered Ecologists. The Institute (or Chartered Institute. At the appropriate time CEcol assessment competency requirements. Chartered Institute) will be responsible for (but not yet!) you would be required to Similarly future CEcols will not necessarily determining the competence criteria and update your post nominals-such that: meet the CEnv competencies. They are not assessment procedures for the award of interchangeable, although of course some FIEEM becomes FCIEEM Chartered Ecologist (CEcol). Council has members may be able to demonstrate recently approved the establishment of a MIEEM becomes MCIEEM competence in both sets of criteria and may shadow Registration Authority to consider AIEEM becomes ACIEEM decide to have both awards. such matters, continuing the preliminary GradIEEM becomes GradCIEEM work undertaken earlier this year.

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Can only IEEM members become the assessment can only assess competence establish the necessary ‘back office’ systems. Chartered Ecologists? over a relatively short time period) which the This cannot happen overnight but will clearly No. It would be inappropriate (and not Institute is very keen to do. In most of the be a high priority which is dependent on permitted) to create a Register that is recently established registers the Privy Council the goodwill and effort of a very significant exclusive to our members. Any member of a has required a re-assessment provision but number of volunteers. A shadow Registration professional body with CPD requirements and this was not the case when the Chartered Authority consisting of some senior members operating a code of conduct can apply for Environmentalist Register was established. of the Institute and representatives of external bodies has now been established to registration as a Chartered Ecologist provided The interval between re-assessments will undertake this work. they meet the competence requirements. be decided by the Governing Board on the However, IEEM will set the requirements and advice of the Registration Authority. We will continue to issue regular updates via the assessment process to ensure that it is an our website, In Practice and the E-Newsletter. How much will CEcol accreditation cost? appropriate standard of competence and it is likely that IEEM assessors will undertake all of The costs will be decided by IEEM’s Governing the assessments to ensure consistency. Board and will depend on factors such as the assessment process and administrative costs. I have heard that I would need to be When might the Register be open? re-assessed but my CEnv status is not About the Author reassessed. Why is that? The timescales is partly dependent on when Sally Hayns has been CEO of IEEM since June 2010. Prior to joining the Institute she was Head It is true that IEEM’s Charter makes provision the Charter is sealed and that may not be of People and Wildlife at the Hampshire and Isle for a requirement for re-assessment of for several months. There is a considerable of Wight Wildlife Trust. CEcol status at undefined intervals. This amount of work to be done to define and Contact Sally at: follows discussions with the Privy Council approve the criteria, the application and [email protected] regarding maintaining CEcol as a standard assessment process, put all the necessary of high competence (bearing in mind that forms together, recruit and train assessors and

Assessors Wanted

In early 2013, IEEM will be launching its new scheme for accrediting higher education undergraduate and postgraduate degrees that produce graduates with the knowledge and practical skills that employers in our field are looking for.

We are now looking to recruit a • have a good understanding of The Society for Biology is also pool of assessors to undertake the higher education practice. looking for assessors for their higher desk-based assessment and site visit Assessors will work in pairs, will education degree accreditation required for each applicant degree scheme which will focus on the receive training and support, and programme. Assessors will: accreditation of research-focused will each receive an honorarium of courses. Further information can • be experienced members of the £500 per assessment undertaken. be found at www.societyofbiology. Institute, ideally with a good If you are interested please register org/education/hei/accreditation understanding of the knowledge to receive further information by or by emailing natashaneill@ and skills requirements of contacting [email protected]. societyofbiology.org. graduates across a range of employment sectors, and/or

62 Internal Articles

Best Practice Awards 2012

The IEEM Best Practice Awards are presented to projects that demonstrate best practice in one or more of the below award categories, which have been revised for 2012. Entries were invited from all sectors of the ecology profession including the public, voluntary and consultancy sectors. The award categories are: 1. Outstanding Achievement in Practical Nature Conservation • Enhances biodiversity and/or ecosystem functioning (e.g. projects that deliver significant enhancement or creation of Penny Anderson presents Roland Randall with the Best Practice Award biodiversity assets by going ‘above and for Outstanding Knowledge Exchange and Promoting Best Practice beyond’ what is required). • This category is judged against objectives be outstanding in two or more of the survey, monitoring and reporting. This 1 and 2. above categories and sets an impressively foundation, built on past work combined 2. Outstanding Innovation high standard. The winner of each award with innovation provides an important lesson category is automatically considered for the for survey standards and the value of habitat • Advances the profession of ecology and Tony Bradshaw Award. The Tony Bradshaw survey and continuity of monitoring. environmental management (e.g. projects Award is at the judges’ discretion and will that advance the profession through The work was originally commissioned from not necessarily be presented each year. innovative concepts, design, delivery or Girton College, Cambridge, by the Coastal This award is named in honour of the late practical application). Ecology Branch of the Nature Conservancy Professor Tony Bradshaw FRS FIEEM, who was Council’s Chief Scientist Directorate in 1987 • This category is judged against objectives IEEM’s first President. as part of an attempt to describe the size, 1 and 3. In 2012, only one award was presented. location and quality of the main coastal 3. Outstanding Knowledge Exchange and This was in the ‘Outstanding Knowledge habitats of Great Britain. The collection of Promoting Best Practice Exchange and Promoting Best Practice’ basic data was an important first step in • Furthers the knowledge-base of the category and was awarded to ‘Coastal identifying the most significant sites, and profession of ecology and environmental Vegetated Shingle of Great Britain: 25 for establishing a basis for monitoring and management (e.g. projects that improve years of research and application’ and was understanding the impact of monitoring evidence and ways of working through accepted by Dr Roland Randall CEnv FIEEM at operations and major development projects. the production, storage and dissemination the IEEM Autumn Conference in Cardiff. These data were then used to develop a of policy, guidance, advice and practical The ‘Coastal Vegetated Shingle of Great classification of the main shingle plant tools (GIS, databases, toolkits, etc.)). Britain’ project is a pioneering classification communities found in Great Britain. • This category is judged against objectives and baseline survey over 25 years that has The judges considered this project to be 1 and 4. enabled sites to be revisited to provide good, sound science, and a genuine example The objectives against which the above consistent re-survey that delivers BAP Priority of ‘best practice’, which was hard to fault. categories are judged are